Hugh Ronald Jacobs Obituary

Hugh Ronald Jacobs left this world on 14 September 2021… As Hugh said, "Of too much sickness, not enough cures, and too many Birthdays.". He departed in a spectacular fashion—the same way he lived life. Hugh was born in Ogden, Utah on July 30, 1932 to Erma Caroline Valentine Jacobs and Heber Grant Jacobs. He grew up on a large garden farm next to his father's service station, where he learned the concept of hard work.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. He bagged many trophy elk and deer which are proudly displayed in his home in Lindon, Utah, where he has lived for over 35 years. He graduated from Weber High School, where he was active in student government, football, track, and especially boxing. He excelled in boxing and as a Golden Gloves champion, earning a boxing scholarship to Weber College where he was Freshman Class President, a student body officer, President of the Phoenix social club, and graduated with a two-year degree in 1952.

He was always very proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army and is a Veteran of the Korean War. After his Army service, he attended BYU where he earned a bachelor's degree. He married Renae Rhees on June 29, 1953. Two years later they had their first daughter, Laurie, and 14 months after, the twins Bart and Brad arrived.

Hugh had several jobs before starting his career at Weber College with the Athletic Department. He took a year sabbatical from work and earned an MBA from Utah State, then returned to Weber as an Associate Professor. He then moved to the Procurement Office where he was Director of Purchasing. He was active in his children's lives where he coached little league baseball and was the scout master in the local ward.

After a few life changes, Hugh moved to Texas for a while but returned to Utah often to see family and friends. During one of those trips to Utah he met his second wife, Mildred Evanson, from Canada. They tried the long-distance dating for a while and then were married in Taber, Alberta, Canada in February of 1976. They later moved to Hibbard, Idaho just outside of Rexburg where Hugh resumed his career in purchasing for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Ricks College.

Hugh's time in Idaho was wonderfully memorable to him in that he owned many acres on his "gentleman's farm.". He loved having his horses there and taking care of them. He was such a hard worker, and it was difficult for him to leave it, but in an effort to be closer to family and friends and further his career they moved to Lindon, Utah where Hugh continued to work for the church as a Purchasing Agent at Brigham Young University.

Later in his career he took the position of Contract Manger at the Church Office building in Salt Lake, and then finally retired in 1997. He enjoyed retirement and life until Mildred passed away in 2014. Hugh followed in his father's footsteps and had a deep passion for horses and riding. He was active in several riding clubs and was extended the title of "Great Western Trail Pioneer" as he was heavily involved with planning and credited for the path of the Great Western Trail along the Wasatch Front.

He later worked for the Forest Service where he would carry a chainsaw and tools on his horse to clear trees and debris on riding trails. He loved it! Riding horses was Hugh's passion and was the conduit for how he met his soulmate, Aleta. Their courtship was quick and idyllic—and as Hugh said, "Just meant to be!". Hugh and Aleta were married and sealed for Time and all Eternity in the Provo Temple by his brother, Dee, on April 12, 2016.

Hugh and Aleta were acquainted for 16 years through riding groups that rode the trails that he maintained and knew best in American Fork Canyon for the 30 years that he worked part-time for the Forest Service. Hugh knew the trails like the back of his hand. Riding with Hugh was like riding with the icon of American Fork Canyon.

He was not only instrumental in starting to work with the Great Western Trail Association but also organized Hi-Line and Hobbles in the Back Country Horsemen Association, where he is still loved and revered as an active member. He leaves behind the love of his life, Aleta, and his adored stepdaughter, Dawn, who he was privileged to live with, help, love, and serve for 5 years.

He knew he was meant to be in her life. She was a great teacher, he said, that blessed him with patience and humility and increased his capacity to serve and love. He was valiant in her care and spiritual growth and was honored to be her stepfather. Hugh also inadvertently fell in love with Dawn's cute little dog, Lola, and was dedicated to her care and enjoyed her soft snuggles.

Hugh leaves his beloved children—Laurie Benson, Brad Jacobs, and Bart (Janeal) Jacobs; his brothers, Dee (Kay) Jacobs, David (Gail) Jacobs, Kimball (Rhetus) Jacobs, and his "FAVORITE" sister, Judy (Hank) Dowse. He so much loved extended family and they loved and served him in deed and thought. They include Terry (Lynette) Evanson, Diane (George) Paynter, Dennis (Darla) Evanson, and Iris Evanson.

Aleta's childen: Michael (Holly) Hansen, Sean (Kathi) Hansen, Brandie (Jim) Johnson, Jared (Cendi) Hansen, Leila Hansen, and Dawn. Aleta's children deeply loved, adored, and served him constantly—and the feeling was mutual in every way. They adored him for the way he loved and honored their mother. He also left behind 48 grandchildren, and a grundle of great grandchildren—at least 90.

He loves his Savior, Jesus Christ, and bore his testimony of Him at every chance and in every prayer, as he tried to live like Him. He absolutely loves his neighbors and friends and wanted to bring Aleta to the neighborhood, where he said it was the greatest neighborhood on earth and he felt blessed by all the ministering angels that have been life savers through sickness and moving. And I quote: "God bless you all!".

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 20, 2021 at the Lindon 14th Ward Chapel, 320 West 500 North, Lindon, Utah. A closed casket visitation will be held at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street, Sunday, September 19, from 6-8:00 p.m. and at the church Monday morning from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to services.

Burial will be at the Lindon Cemetery, 600 North 200 East. There will be a luncheon for family at the Lindon 14th Ward house following the burial. Those who cannot attend are invited to view a livestream of the services via Zoom, https://zoom.us.