J. Kenney McEwan

October 17, 1942 - June 15, 2021

Joseph Kenney McEwan (78) – loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather --- passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, after a long battle with leukemia. Kenney was born in Salt Lake City on October 17, 1942 to Joseph and Flora McEwan and was the 2nd of two children. He loved and cherished his older sister, Nani, and they had an especially close relationship. He grew up in the Sugarhouse area and attended school at Garfield, Rosslyn Heights and Highland high school. He played baseball, basketball and football in high school and received a baseball scholarship to pitch for BYU. He also participated in Acapella choir, was choir president his senior year, and continued his love of music and performing at BYU when he and some friends formed a trio called the Classmen. He graduated from BYU with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a Master’s of Science degree emphasizing Zoology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Neurophysiology. Upon graduation from BYU, he attended physical therapy school and graduated from Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. While at BYU, Kenney met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Papworth, and they were married in the Logan temple on August 13, 1965. They had six children: Kristen (Brent) Cichoski, Amy (Scot) Jones, Matthew (Nicole) McEwan, Melody (Bob) Holland, Michael McEwan, and Timothy (Lucia) McEwan. They lived in Mission Viejo, California (21 years); Vancouver, Washington (18 years); and have most recently lived in Highland, Utah (since 2008). Kenney was a gifted physical therapist who truly cared about his patients. When they walked into his office, he greeted them cheerfully and was upbeat. Often, his patients were in pain, but by the time they left, he had built them up, encouraged them, and made their day better. Outside of his profession, he blessed so many lives as he graciously offered his knowledge and skills to neighbors and friends who were rehabilitating from injury. Kenney also had many hobbies and interests. When he was younger, he loved spending time fishing and riding horses at the family cabin on the Smith-Morehouse river. He loved BYU sports and planned other events around game time. He continued to pursue his love of music in ward and stake choirs, musicals, and he especially enjoyed singing in church. His service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meant so much to him. From 1962-64 he served as a missionary in the Sydney, Australia mission. Later in life, he and Patti served full-time missions on Temple Square, in the Orem UT mission, and at the Washington DC Temple. They also served a service mission at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. As a Bishop and Stake President, he had a deep love for the members in his area. As a seminary teacher, he helped youth feel and understand the principles and doctrines of the gospel. Ultimately, family meant everything to Kenney. Patti was at the heart of all he did and loved. They built a beautiful life together and were equally yoked in their devotion to their family and the gospel. He loved coaching his kids’ teams, attending performances and games, and supporting his family whether they were near or far. His testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ was at the center of his love for his family. Our family motto, “Who Honors God, God Honors” (1 Samuel 2:30) was at the core of who he was. God honored his righteous desire to stay just a little bit longer to care for Patti and our family. But now, we turn him over to our loving Heavenly Father so that he can influence and love those on the other side. Kenney is survived by his wife, 6 children and their spouses; 28 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister. The Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, June 22nd, at 11:00 am, at the Highland Stake Center, 5335 West 11200 North, Highland, Utah, where a Viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Interment will take place in the Highland City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.