EVANSTON — Roy Conrad Rasmussen, 102-years-old, passed away at Evanston Regional Hospital on Dec. 18, 2019, surrounded by his family members.
Dad was born in Robertson, Wyo.; on Jan. 2, 1917, to Conrad Rasmussen and Martha Hysell Rasmussen. He was the first of five boys after three girls. He learned the value of hard work on the family ranch and, as a youngster, was in charge of the herding of sheep. He also attended school in Robertson.
Dad married his sweetheart, Phyllis Noreen Wright, on June 3, 1936. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple on Sept. 7, 1956. Their early marriage years were spent working in the forest cutting props for the coal mines. During this time, two sons were born to them, Ronald and Dale.
Later Dad and Mother moved to Superior, Wyo.;mwhere Dad worked in the coal mines. Three daughters were born during this time: Anita, Betty Joan and Phyllis.
Dad and Mother moved back to the Valley and bought their first home on a one-acre lot west of Urie. They operated a gas station and a small café. There were also four cabins that were rented. Their youngest son, Gary was born at this time.
Dad went to work for Bektel Construction Company that was building the sight for soda ash company Westvaco. When construction was finished, Dad went to work for Westvaco in maintenance and machinery work until he retired.
Dad was an amazing welder and could design and build anything he wanted.
Dad was a family man and loved hunting and fishing with his boys and playing games with his family. He was a tease.
In his later years one of Dad’s dreams was fulfilled when he purchased 80 acres of ranch land on Fackrell Lane. Dad and Mother then went into the Angus cattle business to use on their ranch. He loved his cows and bought the best.
In 1992, Dad and Mother tore down their old home and Dad had a new home moved in for Mother. Unfortunately, she never got to enjoy it very long. She passed away in March 1994. Dad then urged Ronald and Gloria to move in with him, so for these many years, Ronald and Gloria became his caregivers.
Dad was preceded in death by our wonderful mother, Noreen; his parents, three sisters: Florence, Dorothy and Marie; three brothers: George, Lee and Lester; one grandson, Bradley Kent Carpenter; and many nieces and nephews.
Dad is survived by his brother, Clarence of Evanston; six children: Ronald (Gloria) Rasmussen of Urie, Dale (Kathy) Rasmussen of Lyman, Anita (Derrill) Carpenter of Mountain View, Betty Joan Rasmussen of Rose Park, Utah; Phyllis (Jay) Danielson of Ammon, Idaho; and Gary (Linda) Rasmussen of Lyman; 24 grandchildren, 85 great-grandchildren, 43 great-great-grandchildren with several more on the way.
Funeral services for Dad will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Lyman Stake Center in Urie. A visitation will be 6-8 p/m/ Friday at the church and 9-9:45 a.m. Saturday prior to the service. Burial will be in Fort Bridger Cemetery.
Condolences may be made at www.crandallfhevanston.com.
