Kurt Stevens Alvord

Contribute a lasting gift. Donate to: Kurt's Final Resting Place. TO WATCH WEBCASTING CLICK ON PHOTOS AND VIDEOS TAB ABOVE. IF ON PHONE SCROLL TO BOTTOM “I called my doctor and asked for the results of my autopsy. The doctor responded that he didn’t have my autopsy and, if he did, he probably wouldn’t be able to give it to me. But he did say he had the results of my biopsy!” This is just one of many light-hearted jokes Kurt made just weeks before he passed away. Anyone who knew Kurt knew he was quick witted with a talent for sarcasm and a dry sense of humor that always left one wondering if he was serious or joking. His wife of nearly 40 years would tell people, “Don’t believe a thing he says,” yet, she was outwitted time and time again. Another family favorite of Kurt’s humor is when he ordered fast food he would say, “Do you have to work here to get the employee discount?” The employees thought it was funny and sometimes they’d give him their discount. Kurt probably laughed and got a kick out of his jokes more than anyone else and that made it all the more funny. Kurt never lost his ability to lighten the mood with his humor even through five years of cancer and substantial discomfort. In 2015 Kurt was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. Concurrent with this, he developed nerve pain in his sacral nerves. At times the pain would be excruciating. Kurt bore his burden silently and never complained or expressed any anger or frustration. He joined the family at events and get-togethers, outings and family vacations. His desire to be involved and included and present with his family was often greater than choosing his own comfort. In late June 2020 after having several months of feeling really well and feeling like his cancer and pain were receding, Kurt felt ill and after tests and scans was diagnosed with metastasis to his liver of an aggressive and fast-growing small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. This caused acute liver failure and Kurt lived for just four more weeks. The week of his diagnosis, Kurt and his wife and all seven children spent time with him at his home in Provo, Utah. Kurt told them that he was at peace if this was his time to go and was happy to know that his wife and all his children were at a good place in life and would be okay even in his absence. The family was blessed to all be in town for that 4th of July weekend and were able to share and converse with Kurt and to have new family pictures taken. Kurt passed away on August 1, 2020 at the age of 62 in his home with his dear wife at his side and all of his children nearby. Leading up to this, his family and siblings and a few relatives were able to share their goodbyes, their appreciation, and their love with Kurt before he passed. Kurt will be lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 40 years, Cherie and his seven children, Travis (Rachel), Tyler (Cecilly), Thomas (Melanie), Todd, Trent, Tiffany, and Tevin. Kurt leaves behind five beautiful grandchildren, William, Kenney, James, Benjamin, and sweet little darlin’ Claire. Kurt is survived by his siblings Hal (Diane), Ruth Apffel, Bruce (Aimee), and half-sisters Lisa (Juan) Solomon and Joy (Eddie) Ortiz. Kurt is preceded in death by his step-brother Justin Peterson, father Stevens Moore Alvord and mother Sue Jane Burkhalter. Kurt will be fondly remembered by his cousins and many nieces and nephews, as well as friends, employees, and business associates. Kurt was born on November 14, 1957 in Glendale, CA to Sue Jane Alvord and Stevens Moore Alvord. Kurt was raised in Glendale and attended Glendale College. He was just a few credits shy of completing his AA degree. Kurt served a two-year mission to Scotland from 1977 to 1979. Kurt had an entrepreneurial spirit likely kindled by his father and after spending time servicing apartments owned by his father, Kurt ventured out on his own to start his own security business. About this time, Kurt met and married Cherie Cornwall in September of 1980. Kurt and Cherie delayed moving into a home of their own and lived with Kurt’s mother for seven years while he built an office building in La Canada, CA on the corner of Foothill Blvd and Ocean View Blvd. Cherie’s father, John Shirl Cornwall was the architect. This office building became the home to Kurt’s business A&A Enterprises for the next 35 years which grew to include Reliable Systems and Eagle One Security. His businesses installed fire alarm systems, telephone systems, hospital communication systems and security systems, as well as providing fire alarm and security monitoring. Kurt and Cherie moved their family of 4 little boys to Palmdale, CA in 1990 where they had 3 more children. Kurt commuted for 24 years (one hour each way) to his office in La Canada from 1990 to 2014. Cherie will always be grateful to Kurt for making it possible for her to be a stay-at-home mom to their seven children. Moving to Palmdale to the “high desert” and Kurt’s willingness to commute, made it possible for the family to enjoy a beautiful home through their growing-up years. Kurt touched the lives of many people. For a number of years Kurt would organize a trip for 50+ youth to go to BYU Education Week in August of each year. He would arrange a charter bus to travel 12 hours from Palmdale, CA to Provo, UT and also arranged housing. It came naturally for Kurt to connect with the youth. They loved his humor and easy-going nature. Kurt was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Kurt held church callings such as Elder Quorum President, Webelo’s Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Ward Clerk, and Stake Assistant Ward Clerk in which he served faithfully. He was always willing to serve others. Kurt helped Cherie care for her father during the last eight months of his life and spent many years caring for and overseeing his mother Sue Jane Alvord until she passed away in 2018. Kurt enjoyed travels to Asia, Singapore, and London with his daughter, Tiffany, for concerts she performed in as a YouTube musician. We are thankful he had this opportunity to travel even though he hadn’t retired. Kurt and Cherie moved to Provo, UT in December of 2014 to be closer to most of their children and all of their grandchildren. Despite the setback of being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015, Kurt was flying back and forth between Utah and California where he continued to run his business up to the very end. Kurt’s business and his “work family” were very important to him. After being diagnosed with cancer, some of Kurt’s children encouraged him to sell the business. They told him to “hope for the best but plan for the worst.” Because his company was such a big part of his life, he just couldn’t bring himself to sell it or retire while he was alive. We celebrate the life of Kurt as a husband, father, grandfather, cousin, uncle, employer, associate, and friend and thank God for the many ways he touched and blessed our lives. “May the wind always be at your back and the sun upon your face. And may the wings of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars.” (Old Irish Blessing) The family would love for you to post any stories, memories, tributes, or photos of Kurt on the Memory Wall on Kurt’s page here at the Nelson Mortuary website. SERVICE INFORMATION: The family of Kurt Stevens Alvord has decided against holding an indoor-live stream funeral service. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, hosting indoor gatherings could be dangerous to those who participate. It is advised that family and friends find alternate ways to connect, support each other, and grieve after their loss. In order to grieve safely, a private graveside ceremony will be held for immediate family members. Also invited are Kurt and Cherie’s siblings and their spouses who would like to attend. The service will be Friday at 11 AM at Eastlawn Memorial Cemetery in Provo. Nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends will be able to view a memorial tribute video (including video of the graveside service) posted at a later time on the mortuary website in honor of the life of Kurt Stevens Alvord. Deciding on the funeral service has not been an easy decision to make. Before Kurt’s death, he was diligently following Covid-19 news and the increasing numbers of those affected worldwide and locally. He had a great fear of getting Covid-19 as a compromised person and he insisted on keeping himself and his family safe by sheltering at home and restricting those we interacted with. We feel this is still important and we appreciate your understanding. (More CDC information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/funeral-guidance.html) .