Ralph Hugh Haycock

Dr. Ralph Hugh Haycock, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 in North Logan, with his loving daughters by his side. He was born July 14, 1934 to Martha Mary Harding and Obed Crosby Haycock. Ralph learned the value of hard work at an early age. He was responsible for milking the family cow, feeding the chickens and weeding the garden. He didn’t mind doing chores because he always had his loyal dog, Butch, at his side. His favorite childhood memories are those of spending time in the mountains hunting and fishing with his dad and brothers.  

Early on in life, Ralph had an affinity for taking things apart and putting them back together….just to see how they worked. At the age of 12, Ralph began building and racing soap box cars. Once he borrowed the motor from his mother’s new Maytag washing machine to use in his race car. After winning the race, Ralph put the motor back in the washing machine just in time for wash day. Later on he built and raced stock cars on the Bonniville Salt Flats. As a winner of one of these races, Ralph was given a kiss and flower by the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Her name was Joan Hart. He asked her out and after a whirlwind romance, Joan accepted a proposal of marriage from Ralph. That marriage took place January 14, 1956. Their marriage was later solomized in the Logan LDS Temple. Six daughters and one son were born to this happy union. 

Ralph attended schools in Salt Lake City, graduating from South High School.  After High School, Ralph attended the University of Utah, graduating with Bachelor and Master degrees in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. While attending the University of Utah, Ralph built and operated an auto body shop on 8th East to support his family and finance his education. In 1969, Ralph moved his family to beautiful Cache Valley, where he worked both as an associate professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department and a Research Engineer in the Space Dynamics Lab at Utah State University.  He earned a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University. While teaching and mentoring at Utah Stare University, Ralph formed many lifelong friendships with faculty, staff, and students alike. After retiring in 2000, Ralph continued to mentor students in the Mini Baja Program.  Ralph received many awards while at USU.  He was named Utah’s Scientist of the year, Research Engineer of the year, Professor of the year, and Advisor of the year.  

Having lived in Hyrum for over 50 years, Ralph formed many friendships in the community. He served as a member of the Lion’s club and on the Hyrum City Council.  He was honored to be the Mayor of Hyrum from 1990.to 1998. While serving as Mayor, Ralph was elected President of the Mayor’s association. He also served on the Board of Directors of UAMPS. He was awarded the Champion of Public Power for his service. Ralph served in the National Guard from 1951 to 1961. Later in life, Ralph enjoyed giving serving to his fellow comrades through the American Legion.  

As a life long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ralph has a great love for our Savior Jesus Christ and the gospel.  He served faithfully in many positions in the church including Bishop of the Hyrum 5th Ward, and on the Stake Counsel of a USU YSA branch.  Ralph enjoyed his service in the 10th and 13th wards as well. In his later years, Ralph and Joan were the recipient of many acts of kindness from ward members. 

Family has always been the most important aspect of Ralph’s life. He truly was a wonderful family man. He taught his children the value of hard work, thrift, education, service, love of God, country and all people.  Ralph’s family enjoyed their fun family adventures. They always had fun boating, and camping. They also have fond memories of family vacations. They vacationed in Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, California, New York, Boston, Canada and Mexico. Later in life Ralph enjoyed traveling with his wife Joanie.  They traveled across Europe, Scotland, England, France, Chili, Peru, Egypt and Hawaii. 

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Obed, an infant sister, his brothers Dick (Peggy) and Don (Maria) a brother-in-law Garl, his wife Joanie, his son Matt, a son-in-law Werner, and  a great granddaughter Kenley. He is survived by his six daughters; Pam Baxter (Kerry), Debbie Carlisle (Rick), Mary Antivilo (Guillermo), Ann Haws (Marv), Alice Winberg (Dave), Carol, a daughter-in-law Jodie, his sisters,  Jean Smith, Lois Porter (Roland) 33 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren with more on the way.  Ralph is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families. 

Ralph’s family would like to thank the 13th Ward for their many acts of kindness, Dr. Stones for his friendship and excellent care, Chauni, Karen, the CNA’s at Maple Springs, and CNS Hospice for their loving end of life care. 

Dad, thank you for your wisdom,  example of hard work and perseverance, your sense of humor, and  quick wit. Most of all, thank you for your love and testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ and the gospel.  There is no doubt in our minds that we will meet again. Enjoy your many wonderful reunions, especially the one with your sweetheart, our mom. We love you, dad.

A funeral will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 12:00 pm at the Hyrum 13th Ward, 95 N 675 W Hyrum. Viewings will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at White Pine Funeral Services, 753 S 100 E Logan, and on Wednesday at church from 10:30 to 11:30 am prior to the funeral. Interment at Hyrum City Cemetery.

Those who would like to attend the funeral virtually may use the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81217183187