Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.  All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~ Helen Keller

Garth Argyle Hill

Garth Argyle Hill, 84, Salem, Utah, our family’s patriarch, passed away Friday, July 28, 2017, at Central Utah Veteran’s Home in Payson.  He was born April 4, 1933 in Payson, Utah, to F. LeRoy Hill and Alene Argyle Hill. His siblings are Dennis, Theron, Lee, Ferrell, Merlene, and Duane.

Garth served his county in the U.S., Army from March 1955-February 1957. His specialty was as a Forward Observer in the Artillery. His service took him to Ft. Ord, California; Ft. Sill, Oklahoma; Wertheim and Karlsruhe military bases in Germany. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist 3^rd Class.

He married his sweetheart of 64 years, Harriet LaVae Blanchard, on October 18, 1953. They have six children: Ronald, Roxann, David, Lynette, Gordon, and Justin. They also have 20 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

Garth graduated from Payson High School, attended Brigham Young University where he earned a BS degree. He also obtained a MS degree from San Jose State University, and a PhD from Colorado State University.  His life-long profession was in education 1959-1972 at Olympus High School as a metal shop teacher. From 1973-1998, he was a professor at Brigham Young University, as well as a department chairman.

Garth is a member of the LDS Church. He served, twice, as a bishop: in the Butler 5^th Ward in Salt Lake City, UT; and Salem 2^nd Ward in Salem, UT.  He also served in the Salem Stake Presidency, and was the Salem Stake Patriarch. He and Harriet served twice as Senior Couple missionaries: at the LDS Missionary Department, Church HQ, Salt Lake City; and in the Toronto Canada Mission, Napanee Branch. He also was involved with the Boy Scouts of America, as a Scout himself, a Scout Master, and served on the district committee. He was a LDS Encampment coordinator, and a recipient of the Silver Beaver.

In addition to his church callings, Garth was a Salem City Councilman, Garth built a home overlooking Salem Pond, for his beloved family in 1973 and there helped his dear wife raise their six children.   His other hobbies and interests were hunting deer, pheasant, and buffalo; and fishing with his kids, his dad, and brothers at Fish Lake and the Uintahs. He enjoyed horseback riding the trails of Payson Canyon as well as the Uintahs. He raised and trained numerous colts to safely navigate mountain riding trails. He liked taking care of his home, yard, horses and pastures.  He loved traveling, enjoying his trips to Alaska and Hawaii.  In addition he traveled to the UK and other European countries; Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

His family is proud of his reputation as a hard worker, good neighbor, effective teacher, and as a leader and servant of the Lord.

Garth is survived by his wife, his six children and their spouses; all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; also survived by all of his siblings. He is predeceased by his parents and a grandson TJ.

Funeral services will be Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Salem 2^nd Ward Chapel, 60 South Main Street, Salem, Utah. Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday evening, August 2, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork; and at the church Thursday morning, 9:30-10:45 a.m.prior to services.

Interment at the Salem City Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.walkerobits.com