Hal Parkin Schulthies

Hal P Schulthies

Richfield, Utah

Hal Parkin Schulthies , loving husband, faithful brother and devoted father, passed peacefully from this world to claim his rightful rest in heaven on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at the age of 87.

Hal was born the third son of Rendell Howard and Beatrice Parkin Schulthies, born September 5, 1926 in Bountiful, Utah; preceded in death by his parents; brothers Rendell, Norman and Byron; Claudeen, his second wife of many years, passed into her rest in 2001. No doubt his reunion with them and many other loved ones was a sweet and tender moment.

Hal’s family are also in our thoughts. He is survived by his wife Genevieve Cook Schulthies; brother Karl (Ruby) and sister Celia (Don); children from his first marriage: Sharon, Brenda, and Randy; children from his second marriage: Shauna, Shane (Kimberly) and Rod. Step-children: Genann (Cliff), James and Mark (Tammy). Hal was also blessed with 27 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

During WWII he served in the US Coast Guard, patrolling off the Eastern coast of the United States. He used to tell stories of dropping depth charges to protect the seaboard from German submarines.

His early career found him involved in the oil and gas refinery business before pursuing his first love: farming. He became a rancher and went on to breed prize-winning horses, mules cattle and sheep. His love of sheep-herding led to him working directly with the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Duboise, Idaho with whom he helped to develop the Polypay sheep breed.

One of the most respected and well-known farmers in Utah, he became the Manager of the Butler, East Jordan Welfare Farm in Elberta, Utah for over 35 years for the LDS Church as well as continuing to run his own ranch operations, he also worked with many seed companies to develop better crops, specifically corn and wheat.

As an LDS bishop and long-serving member of the Elberta LDS Stake High Council, he was always available to anyone who knew him for advice and counsel. He also served as a missionary in the Santaquin-Tintic Stake for several years where his kind heart allowed him to reach out and talk to everyone, seldom was the week that he didn't make a new friend. His greatest gift was making people feel understood and that they mattered. His gentle and wise words helped many young man find his path in life and with a dash of his unique humor, he could bring a smile to everyone’s face even in the most difficult circumstances.

A faithful life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hal was one of the most honest men that anyone could meet and lived his life with plumb-like rectitude. He always had a quick smile and a twinkle in his eye keeping his level in all situations. He was known for "chewing" kids ears - many who have grown to adulthood remembering the events. Never one to cut corners he made sure everything was squared and still found time to joke with people and always made sure that everyone he dealt with came away with a little more than they expected. He enjoyed sharing what he had with others within the circle of his world and many people received surprise deliveries of lamb chops or steaks or roasts from his farming surplus.

To know Hal was to love him. He never tried to impress or be anything more than the good man he was, he led by example and was a living library of anecdotes and wisdom but perhaps his greatest trait was his unstoppable nature. Never a man to rest for long, Hal was a hard worker and for most of his life he held at least two jobs at a time and always had a reason to be checking on things happening on the farm. The truth was he was always happiest being outside in nature under the blue sky. Even in later years after major heart surgery he continued steadfast in his ways remaining active and still farming the "back 4" much to the amazement of his family and friends.

As a man of integrity who lived a life of faith and conviction he left the world a better place. We thank Almighty God for letting us know him and say "farewell Companion well met!"

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in the Richfield 16th Ward Chapel, 805 North 500 East. Friends may call at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 or at the ward chapel on Thursday from 11:30 to 12:30. Additional services will take place on Friday, January 31, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Elberta LDS Ward Chapel, 75 South Center, where friends may call on Friday from 9:30 to 10:30. Burial will take place in the Bountiful City Cemetery at 2:00 p.m with military rites.

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guest book www.maglebymortuary.com.

"And HE shall wipe away the tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more pain or fear, no sorrow or dying, no waiting or crying; These former things have passed away, another life begins today."