Karl Richard Hirst

Karl Richard Hirst, 64, of Orem, Utah, returned to his Heavenly Father on December 18, 2024, surrounded by family.

Born March 3, 1960 in Provo, Utah to Frank and Cyntha Hirst, Karl was an Orem boy through and through — Cherry Hill Elementary, Lake Ridge Jr. High, Orem High class of 1978. He swam for the Dolphins, wrestled, and was happiest outside.

He earned a Bachelor's in Wildlife Biology at Utah State University and a Master's degree, then spent 23 years with the Orem Department of Public Safety, retiring as captain in 2006 — and answering the call again in 2020 as interim chief. He spent another 15 years building Orem Recreation: youth sports, pickleball courts, parks, and the new Fitness Center.

Karl was an avid outdoorsman and wildlife advocate. He served on wildlife RAC committees and a six-year appointment to the Utah Wildlife Board. He visited 23 national parks and 17 countries — Mongolia, South Africa, China, Peru, Iceland, and a long list more.

He loved Kathy, his wife of 47 years. He taught his ten grandchildren how to wakeboard, tested cliff jumps with them, and built bonfires big enough to make Sunday BBQs feel like an event. He fished Alaska. He told a perfect dad joke.

He is survived by Kathy; his children Chelsi (Ryan), Shaun, and Nathan (Ashley); ten grandchildren — Samantha, Bailey, Ashlynn, Coleman, Jaxsyn, Preslee, Abigail, Greyson, Paxton, and Reese; four great-grandchildren — Rhett, McCall, Bexley, and Hadley; and his brothers Paul and Robert. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Cyntha.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Karl Hirst Youth Sports Scholarship Fund — for kids who need a way in.