Donald Victor Hague, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully on Veterans Day, November 11, 2015.
Don was born in Salt Lake City, Utah December 28, 1926 to Fawn Robison (Purcell) and Roger Hague.
He was an only child but was surrounded by grandparents, aunts and uncles, and his cousins whom he considered his brothers and sisters.
In fifth grade at Forest School in Sugarhouse, Don met his best friend and sweetheart, Lorna Dangerfield. He then became part of the large Dangerfield family as Lorna was the youngest of nine. They both continued through Irving Junior High then onto graduating from South High School in 1945.
Upon graduation Don served in the US Navy near the end of World War 2. Don proposed while on leave and Lorna said yes.
Don and Lorna were married on August 27th, 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple. These sweethearts began their married life on a train bound for Washington DC where Don studied art and draftsmanship. His passion for education and the arts was a driving force throughout his life. A few months later they headed to Salt Lake for Don to start school and eventually start a family.
Don graduated from the University of Utah in Zoology in June of 1951. A few years later Don, Lorna and family moved to Ft. Worth, Texas where he was the Curator of the new Ft. Worth Children's Museum.
Don and Lorna moved back to Salt Lake City a few years later where Don worked as a graphic and technical artist at Sperry Rand. He was then hired by the University of Utah and began work on the original Utah Museum of Natural History as Curator, which fulfilled his dreams and fueled his passion throughout his life. He became the Director of the Utah Museum of Natural History in 1973. Later, Don received a Master of Arts degree in Art history from the University of Utah and was a well renowned artist.
Don had the opportunity to provide leadership and creativity for many organizations that he loved such as the Hansen Planetarium, Alf Engen Museum, Zoo Arts and Parks, U of U Emeritus Faculty, American Association of Museums, Ft Douglas Museum, Hellenic Cultural Museum and numerous others.
Don enjoyed many things throughout his life especially nature and the beauties of the world around him. He taught this appreciation to his wife, his children and grandchildren even with just a simple nature walk. He was a friend and mentor to many, including those outside his family. Don led a very active life with skiing, fishing, hunting, tennis, golfing, archaeological digs, museum trips, studying the museums and arts around the world and just spending time camping with the family. Above all, his greatest joy and love was his lifelong relationship with his Lorna.
Don is survived by his loving wife Lorna, children Alan (Peggy), Kevin (Judy-deceased), Steven, Bryan (Debbie) and Karen (Joe) Post, 21 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, grandson Cameron Donald and daughter in-law Judy.
The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to Right At Home care givers and CareSource hospice.
A gathering and visitation to honor Don's life and contributions to this community will be held on Friday November 20,2015 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Natural History Museum of Utah (The Canyon Room), 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Funeral services will be held Saturday November 21st 2015, 11am at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road in Sandy, with a visitation prior to the service from 10:00-10:45am. Interment Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.
