Hal J. Woolsey Obituary (1924 - 2016)

Our beloved family patriarch returned home to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 after a long and courageous fight with cancer. Hal was born on March 23, 1924 in Escalante, Utah—the 4th child of Earl James and LaVern Hardy Woolsey. Hal married his childhood sweetheart, Lasca Munson on May 20, 1943 in the Manti LDS Temple. She preceded him in death on January 7, 2005. On March 3, 2008, he married Joanna Metcalf (Sanborn). They were sealed in the Jordan River LDS Temple May 30, 2009. Soon after Hal and Lasca were married, Hal was deployed to England where he served in the U.S. Navy as an L.C.T. motor machinist 3rd Class at Omaha Beach in the invasion of Normandy. Last year in 2015, he was chosen to participate on the Utah Honor Flight to Washington D.C. Hal and Lasca made their home in Kearns and together they raised 7 children. Hal worked many years for Kennecott, and later worked as a school bus driver for Granite School District. Hal was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with a strong testimony of the Gospel and unwavering faith. He served in various callings throughout his life. He served as a member of the High Council, High Priest group leader, and in 3 Bishoprics. He and Lasca served an 18 month mission in Rochester, New York, and they also served for 2 years in their Stake as service missionaries. Together they served as Temple workers in the Jordan River LDS Temple. Hal was dedicated to service. He was a kind, compassionate family man who always taught by example. He was always happiest when he was around his family. You felt his love whenever you were near him. He enjoyed gardening, golf, fishing, camping and hunting, but he especially enjoyed time with his family. His legacy of love, patience and compassion will live on. Survived by his wife, Jo; his children: Jillynn White (Ben), Dale (ReNae), Annette Despain (Charles), Gordon (Christina), Alan, Brian (Debbie); 43 grandchildren; 95 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marjorie Shurtz of California and Earlene Nelson of St. George, UT; and stepdaughter, Sherry Bennett (John). Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Hardy, Haynes, James and Klint; his wife, Lasca and their daughter, Dorothy Willis (Lowell); 2 of his great-great-grandsons, Tristen Braithwaite and Cohen Donald Lewis; and a daughter-in-law, Shauna Smith Woolsey. The family wishes to thank the VA Hospice nurses and the Huntsman Cancer Center. A viewing will be held Friday, September 9, 2016 from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State Street. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 10, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the LDS chapel located at 5720 S. 4270 W. in Kearns, where friends may visit 1 hour prior to the service. Interment: Valley View Memorial Park located at 4335 W. 4100 S., West Valley City. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary-Murray 4760 South State Street Murray, UT