Growing up as the youngest of eight, she enjoyed a measure of prosperity in a mature family living in a nicer neighborhood than older siblings had known. As a young teen, Kay served a three-year mission with her parents and two sisters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in British Columbia. Their historic mission home was in an upscale neighborhood in the charming, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. She eagerly served the Lord with her winning smile and courage in sharing the gospel.
Upon celebrating her fourth birthday (a leap year), she was mature for her age, easily making friends of all ages and different backgrounds. Loved and admired by many in the Alaskan Canadian Mission, Kay Hinckley and her family returned home to Salt Lake City for her senior year at East High School.
Our choices to pursue education at the University of Utah, though wise in worldly ways, had spiritual roots — not coincidental. Being close neighbors and fellow students in the Music Appreciation class, Kay and I started dating by attending concerts assigned by Professor Jay Welch. At age 18, she was dating other older men and waiting for a favorite missionary’s return. However, we were in love with classical music ... and each other. Our study sessions together created sweet, musical memories for a lifetime.
The next year, after passing her un-birthday, Kay and I became engaged to be married. Seven weeks later, we were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. (Why wait any longer when it’s true love? And nothing short of forever.)
