Ralph "Bruce" Schow

He was born in Salt Lake City on September 11, 1932. He was the only child of Ralph Alexander Schow and Lillie Isabelle Mayne. His family moved around a lot when he was growing up. He lived on the west side of Salt Lake and in several homes in The Avenues area. There he met his two best friends, Ken Neilsen and Jerry Ipsen, who became lifelong friends.

When he was 8 years old his family moved to Fairfax, CA during World War II. This was a happy and magical time for him. There he had a pet rooster and even a pet skunk. Both of his parents worked at Fisherman’s Warf as welders on aircraft carriers. This is where he came to have a lifelong love of airplanes.

He graduated from West High School and attended the University of Utah before joining the US Air Force during the Korean War. He had a profound love and respect for his country. He was proud to serve in the military.

When he returned home to Salt Lake City he met his sweetheart and eternal companion, Glenda Johansen in the summer of 1956. They were married and sealed that year on December 27 in the Manti Temple.

Soon after they were married, they started Bruce Plumbing & Heating Company together. They were always honest and true to their many customers. Bruce Plumbing continues to be in business to this day.

He and his sweet wife, Glenda built a home in the Olympus Cove area in 1958. Because he had moved so many times in his youth, they wanted to make this their forever home where they raised their family of 4 children Teresa (Stephen Coons), Daniel, Kayanne (Randy Swenson) and Joel (deceased), with much love and tenderness and security. Their family includes 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Our father worked hard and taught his children the value of love, service, honesty and hard work. He also grew a beautiful garden each year and generously shared the harvest with family and many friends.

He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He honored his Priesthood and his covenants. He served many church callings in the Bishopric, High Council and his favorite which was working with the young men in their ward and stake. He touched many lives for good. He was always the first to volunteer his time to help others. Our father taught his family many lessons through his example of love and service, honesty and hard work. His word was his bond.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ was his foundation. He was always devoted to service and helping others. He constantly searched for ways to serve his fellow men. He made a difference in so many lives. His nickname was ‘Buddy’ because he was a ‘Buddy’ and ‘Friend’ to everyone he met.

He loved building radio control airplanes where he would take his family to the Salt Flats to watch them fly. We have many treasured memories of these family times together. He spent countless hours volunteering at Hill Air Force Base Air Museum and could tell you every detail about any airplane.

He loved fine chocolate, malts and butter. He would butter everything, even potato chips and cookies right out of the oven.

He loved to draw and was a very good artist. He especially loved to draw airplanes. In every card and letter he wrote, he would sign it with his signature and a drawing of an airplane.

He loves his dear wife who preceded him in death May 13, 2024. He is also preceded in death by his son, Joel Edward Schow and his grandson, Derek Bruce Swenson. He loves his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They all adore him.

He exemplified the principal of how the worth of one soul is great in the eyes of the Lord.

Most of all he loves his Savior and he frequently bore his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We know there is a great and joyful reunion on the other side with his sweetheart, Glenda and their son, Joel, grandson, Derek and other family and friends.

He will always be greatly loved and missed. We as a family are blessed with the sure knowledge that we will be reunited again one day.

We would like to express our great love and appreciation for the many angels at Spring Gardens, Holladay who cared for our father.

As per the family’s request, a private service will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Wasatch Lawn Memorial.

Ralph will be laid to rest in Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT 84106 in the Sunrise garden.