Don Mack Corbett 1937-2024

Don Mack Corbett, 87, peacefully passed away on October 15, 2024, at home in Bountiful, Utah. Don was born on April 1, 1937, in Salt Lake City, the second of four children to Mack Colvin and Grace Perschon Corbett.

Don spent his childhood on Emerson Avenue and attended Lowell Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, East High, and later, the University of Utah. He dedicated part of his early adulthood to serving in the Swiss-Austrian Mission from 1959 to 1961. Upon his return, he was fortunate to meet the love of his life, Linda Lee Brown, during a biology class at the University of Utah. They were married in 1964 in the Salt Lake Temple and spent over 30 years in the Parleys neighborhood, raising five children together in a loving home. During his church service, Don faithfully served in various capacities, holding a deep commitment to his faith and community.

A proud graduate of the University of Utah with a degree in Economics, Don continued his education, earning a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Social Work, where he delivered the commencement address. He considered his career in counseling his “dream profession,” dedicating many years as the Director of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at LDS Hospital. Don’s counseling was marked by his deep insightfulness. He became a trusted confidant to many. Over the years, he made a lasting impact on the lives he touched, assisting them in finding their path forward.

Before his counseling career began, Don managed the ski department at Stevens-Brown Sporting Goods for several years, a job he loved. He also served his country with six months of active duty in the Army Reserve and later as an assistant chaplain in the Air National Guard for three years.

Don was a strong, capable athlete. He excelled in All-Church softball, where it was said he could always catch those long fly balls and could “run like the wind.” He was fiercely competitive, always wanting the win, yet gracious in defeat. His love for winter sports flourished during countless family outings at Alta Ski Resort and other beautiful Utah locations. He treasured teaching his children to ski and instilled in them a lasting appreciation for the great outdoors.

Don built a cherished cabin at Beaver Springs Ranch near Oakley, Utah, where family gatherings created sweet memories. He possessed an extraordinary talent for building and fixing anything, often transforming his visions into reality. The cabin took shape over the years as he taught his children patience and persistence along the way. Together, they learned to stain large beams, build porches, and pour foundations.

Our father was a man who radiated warmth, wisdom, and compassion. Faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, guided him throughout his life. He had a natural love for people. His empathy was his defining trait, a gift he shared with everyone he encountered. He made others feel seen and understood. His bright, fun personality, paired with an infectious smile and a sharp sense of humor, made him a joy to be around. He brought light into every room, always knowing how to lift others, with the guiding principle of meeting others where they were. Even in his final days, his famous peace sign, a symbol of his enduring optimism and love for life, remained. Now, free from the health challenges that he faced with such courage, hope, faith, and good cheer, we find comfort in knowing he can once again run like the wind.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Linda Corbett; his sister, Irene (Steven) Bergstedt; his five children, Michael (Jane) Corbett, Catherine (Jeff) Young, John (Jennifer) Corbett, David (Kirsten) Corbett, and Elizabeth (Walter IV) Plumb; nineteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Grace Corbett; his sister, Carol Macfarlane, and her husband, James Macfarlane; and his brother, Paul Corbett.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Inspiration Home Health and Hospice, with special thanks to Chenoa and Karlee for their compassionate and loving care, as well as to others who offered support and assistance.

A visitation in honor of Don will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, in Salt Lake City.