'A force at KSL': Senior executive remembered after 2-year battle with breast cancer

SALT LAKE CITY — Colleagues and family are remembering Tracie Palmer, a 14-year member of the KSL team, who died following a nearly two-year-long battle with breast cancer in October.

Palmer, who worked as a senior account executive on KSL's major accounts team, developed relationships with those around her over the course of her career, becoming someone who left a positive impact on her coworkers and her clients.

"Tracie was a dear friend and an example to me of grace and strength in the way she faced life's challenges," said senior major accounts executive Janet Aram. "She was a force at KSL, where she earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike."

Born on March 12, 1972, she worked on her family's farm in Vermont for years, growing close to her family members. Her childhood experiences helped her grow into a person who was adored by those she worked with. She married Matthew W. Lipscomb in 2002, welcoming his son, Ryan, as part of her own family.

Palmer worked for more than 30 years in different communication fields, including radio, cable, television and digital advertising. In 2012, she joined Deseret Digital Media at the KSL broadcast house, working in digital sales.

"She was just so nice to be around, especially in a competitive situation," said senior business director Katie Gleed. "She was always lifting and teaching others."

Sales director Roman Budilov agreed, describing her as a unique soul with pure professionalism and intimidating swagger on the outside with the biggest, softest heart on the inside.

"Tracie was truly one of a kind," Budilov said.

Palmer continued to work for KSL following her cancer diagnosis for 22 months. She died on October 19, surrounded by her friends and family members.

Many members of the KSL team were impacted by Palmer's death, not to mention the clients that she had made personal connections with throughout her time working there.

Senior director Mitch Blackhurst said Palmer had "a heart of gratitude" and would always "pay it forward," while senior digital account executive Marc Allred said she would always go above and beyond for her clients.

"Tracie was an incredibly hard worker who cared deeply about her clients and the relationships she built with them," said KSL president David Pearce. "She was truly adored by the people she worked with, and her dedication to her clients and her work was evident in everything she did."

Palmer is survived by her husband, her stepson, her mother and her extended family.

"Tracie was my person, my partner, and the love of my life," Lipscomb said. "I will forever be grateful for the years we shared, the laughter we enjoyed, and the love that will always be a part of me. She leaves a place in my heart that no one else could ever fill, and I will carry her with me always."

Rather than sending flowers, her husband requested that people take "someone special" out to a meal and spend time with them. A celebration of life for Palmer will be held Friday evening in Draper.

"Life is precious, and we should never assume we have more time," Lipscomb said.