Haven J. Barlow peacefully passed away at his home in Layton, Utah, February 6, 2022, after a long, extraordinary life and gentle decline.

​

Haven was born January 4, 1922 in Clearfield, Utah to Jesse D. and Isadora Beck Barlow. His mother, Isadora, was killed in a tragic car/train accident when he was just nine months old. He and his older brother David survived the accident. His father married Alfreda Knudsen, a recent immigrant from Denmark, who raised the boys as her own.

​

Haven graduated from Davis High School in 1940. He played football and served as Senior Class Secretary. Following high school, Haven earned a degree in business administration at Utah State Agricultural College, now Utah State University. He joined the U.S. Navy and attended officer candidate school at Harvard University. He served as a naval supply and disbursement officer in the Atlantic and Pacific Theatres in World War II, receiving the Philippine Liberation Medal.

​

Haven and Bonnie Rae Ellison Barlow were married for 58 years. Bonnie Rae passed away in 2002. She was the love of his life. They met on the tennis courts in Layton. Describing Bonnie Rae, Haven said he had never seen so many freckles on one person. Haven and Bonnie Rae returned to Davis County after World War II, where they reared their six children in Layton. Haven spent his entire life living in Davis County with the exception of his military service.

In 1949, Haven established the Barlow Realty and Insurance Company in Layton. Haven was active in the Barlow Family Companies until recently.

​

Haven was elected to the Utah State Legislature in 1952 where he served consecutively for 42 years from 1953 to 1994, longer than any other legislator in Utah history. During this period, he served as President of the Utah State Senate for six years and served with six different governors.

​

While serving as a legislator he introduced and sponsored a number of significant pieces of legislation that are still critical to the state today.

As Senate President, he made it possible for all legislators to be part of the appropriations process. Haven also made it possible for all Utah children to receive equal education money from the state.

​

One of his greatest accomplishments was establishing Weber State as a four-year university, and the Weber State Davis Campus. Haven backed legislation that created the present Davis Technical College, and Ogden-Weber Technical College. He is often referred to as the “Godfather of Utah Technical Education.”

Haven was a strong advocate of Davis County interests, including the creation of the Hill Aerospace Museum, Freeport Center, and Antelope Island State Park.

He was a lifelong devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints. He served in numerous callings including, Bishop, High Councilor, temple worker, and a special mission at the Utah State Prison. Haven loved the scriptures and had an unwavering testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

​

Haven recently celebrated his 100th birthday, his final goal. He was proud that he was 26 years younger than the State of Utah – they both share January 4th as their birthday. He was a strong supporter of the arts, including The Utah Symphony and Opera, and he was a generous contributor to numerous charitable organizations, including The Children’s Center. He was an avid supporter and participant in sports. His favorites were golf and tennis. He competed in both at the Huntsman Senior Games until there was no one else his age to compete.

​

He had many accomplishments in life, but nothing was more important than the relationships with his family. Each Thanksgiving, family members gathered from far and wide to celebrate and spend time together at the Barlow Family Reunion. This was an event that everyone looked forward to attending. He had a special relationship with each of his family members and celebrated in their accomplishments. He was beloved by his family.

​

Haven is survived by: Jesselie (A. Scott Anderson), Heidi (Ted W. Harris), Haven J. Barlow, Jr. (Amy), Debra Barlow, Stewart E. Barlow (Marie), Rachel (Curtis Richardson), 34 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, his sister-in-law Carol E. Morgan, his brother-in-law Robert B. Anderson, and his devoted friend Elda Stevenson.

​

Haven is preceded in death by: his wife, his parents, and by David B. and Jesse Barlow (brothers), Wanda B. Barton (sister), Duncan E. Barlow (son), and Christine McGlinch (daughter-in-law).

​

Finally, the family would like to express deep gratitude to Maria Perea, who faithfully cared for Haven for more than seven years. We also appreciate all the caregivers and the Summit Home Health and Hospice.