It is with great sadness that Southern Utah University Athletics mourns the loss of Kent "Red" Dover, an icon and staple in Thunderbird Athletics and Cedar City.
Dover passed away peacefully Tuesday evening.
"Although I didn't meet Red until he was in his 90's, his enthusiasm and energy in supporting the Thunderbirds was contagious," said SUU Director of Athletics Debbie Corum. "Each time I saw him he was always willing to offer his advice and I found him to be a great resource for the history of SUU Athletics. Although COVID-19 protocols kept us apart this last year, I cherished the moments we spent together and will miss him. I know that he is enjoying a happy reunion with his beloved Bessie."
Dover is held in such high regard by all in the Southern Utah community, that in 2017, the university honored "Red" by renaming its hall of fame the Kent B. "Red" Dover Athletic Hall of Fame in the America First Event Center. Dover was inducted into that very hall of fame just two years earlier in 2015.
"Kent "Red" Dover has been ingrained in the fabric of the SUU community for decades," said Southern Utah Interim President Mindy Benson. "He grew up across the street from campus and served our country and community tirelessly during his life. He and his wife Bessie made an indelible impact at SUU through their unwavering support of our students and Thunderbird Athletics. He will be deeply missed."
SUU's hall of fame namesake played football, basketball and participated in track and field during his time at SUU in the early 1940s. He was a supporter of SUU athletics his entire life and never lived further than three blocks, save for his years serving in the Air Force.
Red's earliest involvement with the university came in the form of serving as a ball boy for the Branch Agricultural College football team. As Red grew up, he stayed involved in sports any way he could. He participated in every sport that was available, but stayed busy in other ways, too.
Upon graduating from high school, Red enrolled at BAC. He thoroughly enjoyed being a student but left for the Air Force after his freshman year. After taking part in 42 missions and logging over 500 combat hours, Red returned to Cedar City and BAC to finish his degree and compete for the school's football, basketball, and track and field teams.
Southern Utah will honor Dover at the hall of fame induction ceremony, scheduled for Friday, October 22, at 5:30 p.m. MT in the America First Event Center. A moment of silence will also be held at SUU's football game versus Northern Colorado the following night.
