Hyrum Willard Barlow—Patriarch and defender of liberty, a man of kindness who was always willing to help others and give of himself—died July 30, 2021, at his home in Saratoga Springs, Utah, with his beloved wife by his side. He was 87 years old.
Born March 8, 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah to lanthius Winford Barlow and his 4th wife, Violet Jessop, Hyrum grew up in a home blessed with many brothers and sisters—38 siblings in all—and centered on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Known for his strong work ethic from a young age and a resourceful entrepreneur, Hyrum worked the land on his farm in Idaho as a young man, owned a gas station in Salt Lake City in his 20’s, and went on to become a skilled carpenter and home builder. In 1972, he built his first family home and small farm in West Jordan, Utah, where he raised his family by teaching them the principles of hard work: milking cows, tending to a variety of animals, and planting and working a large garden and orchard. To make ends meet, he added a second job, driving for Conoco Oil with his brother Anthie. During the 1970’s, he built and sold homes in the Salt Lake Valley and worked as a framer until 1987, when he joined two of his sons to establish Hybar Windows & Doors—a thriving window and door company—that provided the means to raise his family and to afford work opportunities for many of his children. Upon his successful retirement, he constructed his beautiful HyPointe Estates home and grounds with the help of his sons, an achievement which gave him great satisfaction, and a destination to which his great posterity continues to gather. It was in this home that he drew his last breath.
Uneducated in the eyes of modern scholarship, Hyrum was endowed with extraordinary skill and ability, which he used to build homes and commercial buildings, repair and rebuild automobiles and farm machinery, raise animals and farm the land. Drafted into the United States Army in 1955, Hyrum served his country as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he achieved notoriety for his attention to detail and resourcefulness as company clerk. After his return home, he married Patsy Darlaine Rosenlof in 1959—a short but productive union that gave him his first son in 1960. A few years later, he met and married the love of his life, Colleen Kay Proctor, on September 7, 1963, who would bear him 15 children—6 sons and 9 daughters. Three other wives would join his family briefly, adding two additional sons, bringing in all 18 children.
Hyrum loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and devoted much of his personal time to the study and sharing of its principles. His life reflected his love of the Gospel in his many acts of service—often called upon in the middle of the night to rescue a stranded driver, or to deliver much needed food to those in need. His legacy of giving and service lives on with his posterity, who are known for their willingness to help the disadvantaged. A man of unwavering principle, many people sought him for his wisdom and guidance.
Hyrum will be remembered by his loving wife and eternal companion, Colleen Barlow, and his children, Gregory (Vyan), Russell (Heidi), Calene (John Horsley), Carla (Randy Grena), Henry (Sherry & Kristine), Catherine (John Williams), Denice, Reed (Roxanne), Janice (Ezekiel Bradshaw), Clarissa (Travis West), Jacob (Crystal), Joshua, Hyrum (Bridget), Jeremy, Danalee (Bryan Dial), Monica (Kyle Denos), Amber (Adam Toler), and Shadrach. He will also be remembered by 143 grandchildren and 80 great-grandchildren. The final evidence of his love of liberty and individual agency is reflected in his widely diverse and creative posterity into which he infused a love of learning, doing, and serving others.
He is preceded in death by his parents, 28 siblings, and 10 grandchildren, including: Klayson, Justin, Robyn, Leon, Robert, Evan, Hunter, John, and Jenavieve. He is survived by 8 brothers: Clayne, Lyman, David, Jesse, Myron, Ianthius, Nephi, and Eslie, and 2 sisters: Marian and Laura Jean, his wife, Colleen, 18 children, 134 grandchildren, and 79 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends and visitors at a viewing Saturday evening, August 7th from 5:00 to 8:00pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah. Funeral services will commence Sunday, August 8th at 11:00am following a brief viewing from 10:00-10:45 am also at Larkin Sunset Gardens. Interment will follow at Memorial Estates in Taylorsville, Utah.
I have had the privilege of growing up with the Barlow Family on Salt Lake's west side. They were one of the most productive and exemplary families in our neighborhood. Hyrum, as an integral part of that family brought much credence to his belief system. His large extended family carries on the great tradition of the unique Barlow heritage. His example to members of the community around him is definitely one to be emulated. I met him on two or three occasions in past years, and I always came away with the distinct impression that I had spoken with a man of true education. May his memory be eternal.