Harold B. Hess

Harold B. Hess (aka Dad, Grampy, Oz, Harry), age 80, passed away peacefully at home February 14, 2025, in Kaysville, Utah, surrounded by his loving family.

Born April 12, 1944, in Tremonton, Utah, Harold was the beloved son of Quintin R. Hess and Vonda Belle Tolman. He grew up as the third of 11 children on the family dairy farm in Fielding, UT. Strong family values, a deep love for his community, and a remarkable work ethic were manifest throughout his life.

He left the family farm in 1963 to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vienna, Austria. He returned to Austria 30 years later with his wife and children to pick up his son Spencer who served in the same mission. Throughout his life, he never lost his love for missionary work or for the German language.

On August 4, 1967, Harold married the love of his life, Jane Henrie, in the Logan Temple and together they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage, building a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. In 1975, after brief stints in Logan, UT and Livermore, CA, Harold and Jane moved their young family to the red rocks of Southern Utah, settling in Bloomington in the St. George area. Their home on Sugar Leo Road was a landing spot for all. Everyone who visited had a place to sleep and could fill their stomach when visiting the Hess home – feasting on Jane’s wonderful cooking or the produce grown from Harold’s masterful garden.

Harold attended Bear River High School before continuing his education at Utah State University. After beginning his career at Moore Business Forms as a cost accountant, the “sleeping bag plant” in St. George became Harold’s professional passion. At his peak, there weren’t too many people in the world who knew more about sleeping bag manufacturing than Harold. Hundreds of families benefited from the sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks he manufactured - a reflection of his kindness and desire to serve others. After moving north to Farr West, Utah in 2001, he served the State of Utah as Regional Director of the Department of Workforce Services and later found fulfillment as a real estate agent, helping many families find their homes.

A man of many interests, Harold found joy in running, gardening, fishing, hunting, golf, and most of all, being “Grampy” to his grandkids. Harold kept the asphalt warm, spending countless hours driving to kids’ and grandkids’ games and activities, always their biggest fan. During his 30’s and early 40’s running was his release. He completed dozens of marathons and road races, running the Boston Marathon twice. If you’d engage, Harold was always quick to share running stories and slyly mention his marathon PR of 2:47.49. While he enjoyed golf throughout his life, golf really became his passion when he hung up his running shoes. Golf with his children, grandchildren, nephews, and “the Brothers” kept him busy. Even in his 81st year, when his aged body said he shouldn’t, he squeezed in a few last rounds with his family. Although he faced a myriad of health issues that could have killed him, Harold’s will to live was driven by a desire to take care of his dear wife, spend time with his family, and play golf. 

If you knew Harold long enough, you probably butted heads with him on some topic. His fighting spirit served him well…most of the time. The tough exterior softened later in life, but we’ve always said, “You can take the boy off the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy.”

Harold’s generosity and sense of humor were unmatched. If you received a nickname from Grampy, you knew you had reached another level of love and friendship. Harold was a man of deep faith and believed in the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. His temple covenants and belief in the Plan of Redemption were evident in his life and will live on in the life of his posterity.

Harold is survived by his sweetheart Jane Henrie (aka Grammy, Queenie), children Spencer Hess (Heather), Emily Brown (Mike), Katie Moulding (Adam), Abi Hassinger (Jed), 20 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, Beckett (aka Baby Brother). He is also survived by seven siblings: Judy Richards, Mary Perry (Mike), Timothy Hess (Karen), David Hess (Rocky), Vaughn Hess (Tonya), Barry Hess (Joelle), and Becky Ewing (Jeff). He is preceded in death by his son Gregory Harold, parents Quintin and Vonda, brothers Charles and Quintin Jr., and sister Gaylene.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kaysville, UT (1085 N. 50 E. Kaysville, UT 84037). A viewing will be held from 9:00-11:15 am with the memorial service beginning at 12:00 pm. Interment will take place at the Fielding City Cemetery immediately after the service. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below.

Harold will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

 DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.