Henry Kerr Haslam

Henry Kerr Haslam, a great gentleman, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away on October 11, 2004 at the age of 92. It was his desire to leave this life from his own home and this he did with his wife of 71 years at his side. He was the last member of the Joseph and Mary Kerr Haslam family to leave this earth, having been preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Joseph, Velma, Jen, Eldon, Mary, and Raymond, who was taken at an early age. His return home was surely one of happiness and anticipation as they were all together once again. Henry was bon in Wellsville on August 1, 1912. He was the fourth of seven children. At age three, his family moved to Lewiston, where he lived through young adulthood. He helped his parents on their family farm doing all that was asked of him. He learned the value of hard work quickly and put his full effort into anything he did his entire life. He never lost his love of farming and kept a beautiful garden as long as his health allowed. His retirement years were spent tending to his own Garden of Eden, which he generously shared with others. He married the ?Prettiest girl at North Cache? on February 13, 1933. It was later made eternal in the Logan LDS Temple. Together they worked through the depression, sharing many difficult and challenging problems. During this time, he moved his young wife and son to Smithfield to help on his father-in-law?s farm. In 1940 he began his career as a mechanic, this took him to Blackfoot, Idaho and Salt Lake City. His love of Cache Valley and the sweet smell of new mown hay soon won out and he returned to Smithfield with his family, where he remained the rest of his life. In 1963, he found the job he enjoyed the most, when house to house mail delivery came to Smithfield. He started the first foot route there. He worked until his reluctant retirement at 67 years young. Henry loved the mountains and streams and knew them well. He shared this love with his son and grandsons as he walked the mountain trails with them, teaching them about life along the way. Deer hunting with family and friends was an especially exciting time and he always brought one home for the family food supply. Henry loved sports and received many injuries while playing; including a crooked nose he had as a life long reminder. He faithfully followed the Atlanta Braves and supported the Smithfield Blue Sox as a fan and as a director. He was a faithful USU fan as well, but he enjoyed following his grandsons and great grandsons in their sports the most. He never could understand soccer or golf, but cheered for them anyway. Henry loved serving the Lord and always had a church calling. He served as Ward Clerk or Counselor in four bishoprics and loved the YM/YW program and working with the youth. He was a Sunday School and Priesthood teacher for many years. He spent hours studying and preparing for any lesson he was asked to teach, so as to always be prepared for any question that might be asked. He found great pleasure in the Temple and worked there until his health made this impossible. He spoke often of his great disappointment at not being physically able to serve there. He now is free to continue in this great work on the other side of the veil. We will look for him there. Henry suffered much pain from the crippling affects of arthritis for many years. Because of this, his dreams were often cut short. He endured this with much dignity and determination. He truly did endure to the end. He went down fighting. He was a wise and gentle Patriarch to his family, humbly living his life as an example for us to follow. His wonderful priesthood blessing brought comfort and peace to each of us. His frail body housed a mighty spirit. Henry is loved by many and we will miss him, but he is now free from pain. We are proud of you and love you. Henry is survived by his wife of 71 years, Eva Cantwell Haslam; two children: Clair Diane Haslam and Marilyn Ted Boman, both of Smithfield; eleven grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 16, 2004 at the Smithfield 10th/13th Ward Chapel, 345 East 300 South. Friends and family may call Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield and Saturday morning from 11:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .