Burnal Hillyard

R. Burnal Hillyard, surrounded by his family, peacefully passed away on November 4, 2014, at the age of 88. Burnal was born on July 3, 1926 in Logan, Utah to Roy and Rachel Hillyard. He had one older sister, Jenis Traveller. He was raised in Smithfield and graduated from North Cache High School. On January 22, 1947, he married Dixie Jean Perkes in the Logan Temple. Burnal and Dixie made their home in Smithfield, where he lived until his passing. They had three sons, Monte Dallene, Denver, CO; Gary Debbie, North Logan, UT; and Brad Lynda, Beijing, China. Burnal was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Over the years he served in many capacities including Ward Clerk and Home Teacher. He was a quiet, unassuming man who worked hard and loved those around him. Burnal operated a dairy farm in Smithfield for the majority of his adult life. Most of his farming years he spent farming with his father Roy. During the fall and winter, both he and his father split shifts at the sugar beet factory in Lewiston, Utah. By splitting the shifts, they were able to provide for their families and maintain their dairy herd. Burnal and his father did this until 1973 when his father became blind. After his father's blindness, he selflessly operated the farm for the benefit of his family and parents. He also farmed acreage in Amalga and Trenton. To help support the family's farm income, Burnal worked many summers as a contractor for other builders. He also built four homes on his own, including one for his father. He also worked at Gossner's Cheese factory in Amalga for many years, and made many life-long and loyal friends. Later in life, after selling his dairy farm operation, he worked at the Gossner's plant in Logan. He was liked and appreciated by everyone there. Burnal was such a handyman and willingly assisted others in building projects they were involved in. Burnal was a devoted companion to his wife, Dixie, and supported her in all activities she wanted to be a part of. They were able to travel together on the USU dairy tours to various destinations, which they enjoyed very much. They loved camping, especially in their trailer, and taking trips with other couples.
He always made friends in all work and social situations, and he and his friends would always have a good laugh whenever they saw each other. Burnal was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and loved any occasion that would bring all the family together. He loved his grandkids and looked for every opportunity to be with them and enjoy their company. He especially liked fishing and loved going to Henry's Lake after the "big ones". He always loved that Logan City celebrated his birthday, July 3rd, each year, with fireworks. Burnal is survived by his three sons and daughters-in-law, 11 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four brothers-in-law, Larry Perkes, Hyde Park, UT; Dennis Perkes, Ogden, UT; Don Judith Perkes, Roy, UT; and Marvin Geri Traveller, Richmond, UT. Burnal was preceded in death by his wife Dixie, his parents, his sister, two sisters-in-law and one great-grandson. Burnal was deeply loved by his family and friends. We will greatly miss his kindness, humility, and witty sense of humor. He taught us great lessons of hard work, patience and love. The family would like to express appreciation to the nurses at Logan Regional Hospital and especially for Dr. Michael Stones, who skillfully and lovingly cared for him. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 12:00 Noon at the Smithfield 8th LDS Ward Chapel, 155 West 400 North, Smithfield, UT. Viewings will be held on Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Allen Mortuary, 420 E. 1800 N., North Logan, UT and on Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery.