Honoring the Life and Legacy of Our Founder, Randy Kirton

With deep gratitude and affection, we honor the life of Charles “Randy” Kirton, Sr.—a visionary leader, devoted family man, and the heart behind Avalon Health Care.

Randy’s journey into healthcare began in 1981 with a simple but profound realization: his community deserved better. Having built a successful career in real estate—developing more than a thousand residential lots—Randy understood how to create strong foundations. But he felt called to build something more lasting than homes. He set out to build a heritage of care—one rooted in dignity, compassion, and service.

In 1989, Randy co-founded Avalon Health Care. What began as a bold vision grew, through his steady leadership and unwavering faith, into one of the most respected providers of senior care in the United States. For more than three decades, Randy guided Avalon with clarity of purpose and a deep belief that healthcare is not merely a business—it is a sacred stewardship.

At the center of Randy’s life was his family. He spoke often of the importance of faith, loyalty, and showing up for the people you love. Even as Avalon expanded, he remained deeply devoted to his children and grandchildren, taking pride not only in the company he helped build, but in the family who stood beside him. He believed that strong families are the backbone of strong communities, and that the work we do in healthcare ultimately supports families during their most vulnerable and meaningful moments.

Randy also recognized, long before it was widely discussed, that caring for the whole person includes caring for the mind as well as the body. He understood that mental health is inseparable from overall well-being. Under his leadership, Avalon emphasized compassionate environments where residents, families, and caregivers alike could feel supported emotionally as well as physically. He believed that dignity includes being heard, understood, and valued—and that true healing requires attention to both heart and mind.

He often spoke about the importance of a true “continuum of care,” where individuals and families could find support at every stage of life’s journey. To Randy, dignified care began with recognizing the inherent worth of every person. That conviction shaped Avalon’s culture and continues to guide our mission today.

One of the most meaningful expressions of Randy’s legacy was his profound commitment to veterans. He believed deeply that those who served our nation deserved the highest standard of care and respect. Under his leadership, Avalon embraced the mission that “no veteran is left behind,” ensuring that our nation’s heroes receive the dignity, compassion, and clinical excellence they earned.

Randy possessed a rare ability to balance corporate responsibility with heartfelt compassion. He understood that strong organizations make meaningful service possible—but that service must always remain personal. His influence extended beyond Avalon through his service on the Utah Governor’s Task Force on Long-Term Care and the Gerontology Center Planning Project, helping shape the future of care for generations to come.

More than titles or achievements, Randy will be remembered for his conviction, generosity of spirit, and the steady belief that doing good and doing well were not opposing goals, but partners in purpose.

Today, we carry forward his vision with gratitude. We honor his life by continuing to serve our patients, residents, veterans, and their loved ones with the same integrity, compassion, and excellence he championed.

Randy’s legacy lives on in every life touched, every family strengthened, and every act of care delivered in his spirit.