Kenneth Gary Hyde

Our father, husband, grandfather and brother, Kenneth Gary Hyde was born December 17, 1943, in Ogden, Utah, and graduated from this life, surrounded by family, on July 3, 2024. The last few days, each of us were given the rare gift of sharing our goodbyes with dad both individually and together as a family. One of Dad's greatest life lessons he shared was understanding the importance of family. When trials would come over the years, as they do to all here in mortality, Dad would often say, "it's time to circle the wagons." He understood that with family we could conquer any challenge together. Proud of his pioneer heritage and his name, he made sure all who met him, knew he was a Hyde. As we grieve his loss, we are grateful for the reunion on the other side with his parents, grandparents, and siblings Mary Jo, and Ronnie who he deeply missed.

The seeds of Gary's joy for life, family, and nature were sown early. At the age of 4, he took his first ski run with his father at Snowbasin's School Hill rope tow, igniting a lifelong passion for the mountains and the outdoors. He also cherished his school days at Lorin Farr Elementary, especially his role as drum major of Mister Minner's Drum and Bugle Corps, proudly sporting an all-white uniform with a burgundy stripe down the pant leg. While participating in the summer drum corps, he marched in numerous parades, including Brigham City Peach Days, Ogden's 4th of July parade, the Santa Claus Parade, and Ogden's Pioneer Days Rodeo Parade. His love for these events deepened his passion for the things that would shape his life -- from a love of horses, and the old West, to the cheerful spirit of Christmas.

Gary attended Ogden High School, graduating in 1961. He was proud our family had three generations of Hydes graduate from Ogden High. Gary would later serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints in the Toronto, Ontario, Canada Mission. He did not leave at the same age as his peers. Dad never was not one to follow the pack. He made sure things were done in his time and on his terms. Additionally, He wanted to make sure he was doing things for the right reasons. Gary never pursued anything in life halfway -- once committed, he was all in. This perspective would become part of Gary's decision-making process the rest of his life.

On January 13, 1967, Gary married Margie Thurgood. They were married for 13 years and had three children together: Joey, Julie and Danielle. Though later separated, they have remained close friends.

In 1982, Gary was setup on a blind date with Jan Timmerman. It was a casual date, dad liked to refer to this as"coke date" -- a quick and fun way to get to know someone. The date quickly turned into a conversation that carried late into the evening until Jan had to begin her graveyard shift at 11:00 p.m. at St. Benedict's Hospital. Gary was so proud of mom being a registered nurse and always made it a point to let everyone know. They were married in the Ogden Temple on May 20, 1983, and together had three children: Bryan, Curtis and Melissa. The rest was history.

Gary dedicated many years of service as a member of the Utah National Guard and later worked at Hill Air Force Base. He proudly served as a member of the Weber County Sheriff's Mounted Posse, where he forged enduring relationships. His gentle connection with horses was a sight to behold. He had a way with them, it was as if they understood one another. Well, except that one time mom looked out the front window and saw dad being dragged around the pasture by his horse. She ran out to him as he freed his leg. When asked if he was ok he said, "Well that was fun..." Colorful language probably followed. Gary loved our country and was quietly patriotic. Wherever our family lived, dad was sure to have a flagpole in the front yard flying Old Glory.

Gary was stubborn, but kind; loud, yet gentle; and firm, but understanding. All the critical ingredients that made him the best father for which one could ask. Regardless of his bravado, brashness or straight- forward talk, you knew he loved you more than anything in the world and would give the shirt off his back or lay his life down for you if necessary. There was never a question of where you stood with him. He was a genuine man. People who took the time to understand the complex character of Gary Hyde loved him for who he was.

Dad had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh that will be missed by us all. He loved poetry... as long as it is written by him. He had a way with sharing advice on how to navigate life. He did not mince words with views on education. Dad would say, "you can have all the degrees and education in the world, but if you do not have a degree in common sense, you have nothing."

Gary would add, "there are two kinds of people in this life: givers and takers and talkers and doers. Don't be a taker -- be a giver. Don't be a talker-- be a doer."

Gary was always quick to advise us all on taking information from outside influences he would say, "None are so wise as the ignorant for they know all they wish."

Known for his button nose and jovial demeanor, Gary found immense joy in embodying Santa Claus. For decades, he delighted in dressing up as Santa for holiday events, embodying the spirit of Christmas with unmatched warmth and cheer. Dressed up as Santa clause, he would hand out candy canes to all he encountered while skiing with his brother Jeff. He even drove a school bus in later years, helping him know who was on the naughty or nice list. Even his love for Hallmark's Christmas in July was infectious, keeping the spirit alive year-round.

Dad's greatest joy was his posterity. He loved his children, and was always concerned about our well-being. He was always there to council with or give us a father's blessing. He loved his grandkids and never missed an opportunity to visit the hospital to welcome another Hyde to the family. Nobody left mom and dad's house without dad pausing, rising from his chair, wrapping his arms around you, and giving a kiss on the cheek to express how much he loved and appreciated you. That's who Gary was.

Dad had a great love for his Savior Jesus Christ and his Father in Heaven. He would often encourage us to, "council with the man upstairs" while navigating through life. He did not make every opinion he had public but always kept a quiet watchful eye over the family.

The world and our family has lost a light, but we have no doubt he is still quietly watching over us. Get ready heaven, Gary Hyde is at the Gates. We love you Dad, not goodbye, but talk to you soon!

Love you Pop.

Gary is survived by his wife Jan T. Hyde and their six children, Joey, Julie, Danielle, Bryan, Curtis, and Melissa and his brother Jeff Perkins Hyde and 18 grandchildren*

He is preceded in death by His parents Ken Hyde and Fern Perkins, His brother Ronnie, His sister Mary Jo, Uncle Dean Perkins, Aunt Genice Roghaar, and Grandson Noah Vaughn.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday July 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Layton East Stake Center, 1015 No. Emerald Dr., Layton, Utah 84040. Friends may visit with family July 10, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Lindquist's Kaysville Mortuary, 400 North Main Street, Kaysville, Utah 84037 and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Condolences may be shared at: www.lindquistmortuary.com