Harold R. Southwick of Orem, Utah passed away peacefully on September 4th. He is now reunited with his lifelong sweetheart, June, who passed away in 1992. Harold was born in Ventura, California on September 30, 1927, the fifth of six sons born to James and Leona Southwick. He grew up in Southern California and developed a lifelong love of the citrus groves and beaches in the area. He attended elementary and high school in Fillmore, California. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and also served an L.D.S. Church mission in North Carolina and Virginia. After his return from military service and the mission, Harold married his high school sweetheart, June Marie Barden, in the St. George Temple.
He attended Ventura City College, Fresno State University, where he graduated with honors, and the University of Southern California with additional graduate studies at the University of California at Berkeley while earning three college degrees.
Harold served for thirty years as an administrator in the California School System with the last fifteen years of his career spent as a district level administrator. He traveled extensively throughout the United States in his professional capacity as he recruited teachers and administrators. He also participated in many seminars and educational conferences.
An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Harold served in many positions including several bishoprics, YM President, Sunday School President, Executive Secretary, Stake Music Chairman, Scoutmaster, Sunday School Teacher, High Priest Group Leader, and Public Affairs Specialist. Late in life, Harold was called on a Church Welfare Mission and established a tutoring program at the Deseret Industries in Provo, Utah.
He is survived by nine children and their families: Eric of Sammamish, WA; Mark of Boise, ID; Craig of Sandy, UT; Lisa of Las Vegas, NV; Todd of Provo, UT; Dane of Orem, UT; Scott of Alpine, UT; Kara of Orem, UT; Gina of Springville, UT; Harold was also blessed with 33 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 9, at 2:00 p.m. at the Sharon Park 5th Ward Chapel, 150 East 600 North, Orem, UT. Prior to the service a viewing will be held from 1-1:45 p.m. in the Relief Society room. Interment will be at the Orem City Cemetery where Harold will be laid to rest beside his eternal companion. Condolences may be sent at www.bergmortuary.com.