Kent Farrell Smith, a Kahlert School of Computing emeritus faculty member and former department chair, passed away on September 12, 2025.
Born and raised on the shores of Bear Lake in Fish Haven, Idaho, Kent moved to Utah to study electrical engineering at Utah State University. He first came to the University of Utah as a PhD student with an interest in early computers. His interest in computer science provided the opportunity for involvement with early computer research, working towards the innovation of integrated circuit design. Following his PhD, Kent served as a professor and researcher at the University of Utah for both the computer science and electrical engineering departments.
Kent collaborated with innovators behind such landmarks as the first video game, Pong; the first artificial heart; the first artificial eye implant; military innovations such as the Gatling gun; and CMOS, still used today in a majority of electronics. Kent remained active in circuit design and defense contracts for the remainder of his life, while also remaining actively involved in his church and the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
His viewing will take place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, followed by a celebration of Kent’s life on Friday, September 19, 2025.
https://www.memorialutah.com/obituaries/kent-smith
