Hyrum Bess Higham Obituary (1937 - 2017)

Hyrum was born in Bakersfield, California, as the 10th of 11 children born to Thomas Goold Higham, Sr. and Leona May Bess. He was raised in love. Hyrum had his own quirky sense of humor that could make those around him laugh, but was stalwart in his core beliefs. Hyrum married his childhood sweetheart, Gloria Lees on September 2, 1954; later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Hyrum was blessed with a hunger and yearning for education. He received a B.S. in Physics and a Master's in Public Administration for the University of Utah where he retired to Emeritus status after 30 years. During his retirement, he served in the Salt Lake Temple as a temple worker. He also served on the University of Utah Emeriti board and the Sons of the Utah Pioneers board. Hyrum enjoyed gardening and received his love of flowers from California and his father. Hyrum had a love for theater and live music and loved to hear his daughters play and sing. Hyrum is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gloria; their children: Ronald (Cindy), Terry (Tamara), Martin (Elisa), David (Janet), Stuart (Michelle), Sharilee Owen (Randy), Deborah Degen (Chris), and Diana (Jello); his siblings: Thomas Higham (Barbara) and Mary Bridge (Barry); sisters-in-law: Marilyn Higham and Marylou Higham; 17 Grandchildren; 5 Great-Grandchildren; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers; 3 sisters; and 2 grandsons. Special Thank You to the Nurses and Staff of Rocky Mountain Hospice who provided care and compassion in his last few weeks. A viewing will be held at the East Millcreek 15th Ward, 3750 South Hillside Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah 84109-4064, from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2017. Funeral services will be held at the East Millcreek 15th Ward on Friday, January 6, 2017 at 12 noon with a viewing an hour prior to the funeral. Interment: Larkin Sunset Gardens. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary-Murray 4760 South State Street Murray, UT