Harold Gubler Russell

He was born on August 29, 1932 in Springdale, Utah to Harold Russell and Patha Ann Gubler. He spent his early years growing up in Springdale and when he was 12, he spent about one year in the Topaz Japanese internment camp in Delta, Utah where his father was director. From there he moved with his mother to Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from East High School. Following that he joined the Navy and served honorably for 2 years. After serving his country he worked many jobs to provide for his young family. He received, perhaps his first big break when he became a salesman for Linford Bros. Glass Co. He then went on to sell many different things until when, in 1982, he began to work for Ashley Furniture Industries. He retired in 2010 from selling. It was said of him that he could sell ice cubes to an Eskimo.

He married Afton Lucille “Jill” Beck in 1952 in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they raised 5 daughters and 3 sons together. When he passed away, they had almost been married 68 years. Hal was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many leadership and teaching positions (Bishop’s councilor, Aaronic Priesthood teacher, Bishop, High Councilor, Stake Presidency councilor, Region Welfare Agent, Home Teacher, a church service mission at the Utah State Prison for 13 years to name a few) He influenced many lives for good through his service. He especially loved working with the young men. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, softball, watching Jazz basketball, golf, reading, and he was a master storyteller.

He was loved by his family, friends, and acquaintances. He had a very jovial laugh and loved the gospel of Jesus Christ. He loved his Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and his family.

Hal is survived by his wife Afton “Jill” L. Russell; children: son H. Jeff (Susan), daughter Robyn Sly, son Brad (Stacey), daughter Leslie McKinnon (Dave), daughter Teri Davis, son Ron (Jayne), daughter Jackie Culley (Paul), daughter Sandee Everton (Mike); sister-in-law Hazel Beck; 25 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Maida Moody, Emily Shipp, Jay Jackson, Earl Jackson, Lazun Linford and Joe Jackson; grandsons Riley Culley and Remington Russell.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 1, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at the Bennion Utah East Stake Center building, 5982 South 1300 West, where viewings will be held Sunday, February 28th, 6-8:00 p.m. and prior to services Monday from 10-10:45 a.m. Services can be viewed at: https://zoom.us/j/98861525177?pwd=bFVkR0ovb0VCb2RxRjll0ME5qUk0xUT09, Webinar ID: 988 6152 5177, Passcode: 643131. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park.