We lost one of the good ones. Our much beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away at his home on June 29, 2016 in Sandy, Utah, showing strength and endurance until the very end.
Per Haugen was born on September 22, 1929 to Harald Haugen and Olga Petersen in Haugesund, Norway. As a boy growing up in Norway, Per spent his days roaming and exploring the beautiful hills and mountains of his small hometown. He led his neighborhood friends on many mischievous adventures. Per\s world changed overnight as the battles of WWII made their way to the once peaceful shores of Norway. He and his family struggled greatly as their tiny nation suffered at the hands of occupying forces.
Per had an innate ability to lead and achieve. He was involved in scouting in Norway and earned the Golden Scout (Eagle) rank. Per immigrated to the United States where he became re-acquianted with Gunvor, who became the love of his life. They married in September 1950 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Per and Gunvor were the parents of five exceptional children (at least thats how they made us feel). Shortly after he immigrated, Per served in the United States Army to work alongside the heroes that had liberated his mother country. His service expedited his citizenship; Being an American was one of his greatest dreams. He was proud to be an American. Per believed in the spirit of America and the American dream. He believed that anything was possible in America with hard work, dedication and sacrifice.
Per was well respected in his community and workplace for his integrity, hard work ethic and his ability to lead. Along with several partners, he began General Communications, which eventually he owned. Per helped form the sound industries national association. Per served on the board of directors, and as President. He fulfilled several other special assignments for the association. His peers established an award in his honor; the \"Per Haugen Lifetime Achievement Award\", awarded for exceptional service to the industry. During the 2002 Winter Olympics, Per served as the American Liaison for the Norwegian Paralympic Team. Per also had many leadership positions in the LDS Church, including Stake President and Mission President of the Oslo, Norway mission. He loved his missionaries. He loved family history work and dedicated much time and effort to this cause, creating charts, gathering books, keeping his posterity connected to their past. Per loved people and was always ready to host any gathering. He belonged to the Norwegian Fiske Klubb and enjoyed the friendships and motto, "Spis Fisk, Snak Norsk".
We adore our Dad and Poppy Per. We will miss his contagious smile, piercing blue eyes, cute accent, humor, and his huge presence. Our hearts are heavy as we say our final farewell, but we know he is at peace, joyfully reunited with his beautiful wife, son and loved ones. We also know we will see him again, never more to part. Ha det så lenge.
We extend a deep heartfelt thank you to our dear friends and neighbors for their constant love and support over the many years. Our dad loved you. We also thank our home healthcare providers and hospice.
Per is survived by his son, Harold (Becky) Haugen, daughters Becky (Jim) Allred, Kari (Brian) Nielson, Heidi (Todd) Templeton, 17 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, sister Turid Heen, and foster daughter Landie Haley. Preceded in death by his wife, son Perry and brother Gunnar.
Friends and family are invited to attend the funeral service on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 11 am at the Pepperwood Chapel, 2195 E. Pepperwood Drive, Sandy. Visitations will be held on Wednesday, July 6 from 6-8 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy and from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the service at the ward. Interment is at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.
