Hal Turner Sharp, 89, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend to all and loving husband of Charlotte Elaine Johnson Sharp, returned to his Father in Heaven in peace and joy on October 31, 2016. Hal was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Leo Bennion Sharp and Marcella Turner Sharp. Hal has an identical twin brother Hugh (Joanne) and two sisters, Becky (Cal) and Marian (Bob). Hal graduated from South High School and the University of Utah with a business degree. He served as a radio technician in the Korean War upon his return from serving a two and a half year Mission in New Zealand with his brother Hugh. Hal knew he'd marry his sweetheart, Elaine, after their first date and they wedded in 1955. Together they raised seven children; Ann (Steven) Tyler, Elizabeth (Stephen) Boulay, Nathan (Kimberly), David (Jeanie), Karen, Camille Camacho (Hallard Weber) and Hugh (Anika Cook). They have 20 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Hal is preceded in death by his wife Elaine, his brother Hugh and grandson, Colby.
Hal became a man at 14 when his father died of a heart attack at age 47 leaving Hal and Hugh to manage the family farm. Together they learned many life skills. They were best friends and inseparable business partners who spoke almost every night, much of which was in Maori. Hal was a distinguished Scout leader, serving as Scoutmaster for 14 years and earning the Silver Beaver award in 1982, despite never being a Boy Scout himself. Hal positively influenced and taught countless young men, spending many cold nights in snow caves or in tents in the mountains and at Lake Powell. Hal loved boating and relished the opportunity to teach anyone how to waterski, lessons which often began on his innovative "ski sled". Generations of kids and grandkids will forever remember saying "Hit it Hal!" when being pulled out of the water. Hal also had a love for horses and the family cabin he built with Hugh in Oakley. Hal was generous with his time, whether helping neighbors with electrical problems, changing flat tires or simply working on the beloved grounds of the Garden Park Ward.
Hal was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and touched many lives in his numerous callings. He and Elaine served a Music Mission to Guatemala, followed by 14 years of faithful service in the Salt Lake Temple. Hal had an unshakable testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ and strived to emulate Him as he served and loved everyone unconditionally; family, friend or stranger. For Hal, his word was his bond. He was kind, generous, honest and hard-working. Hal never spoke an unkind word about others and set the gold standard for integrity. Although a large part of Hal died with the loss of his brother Hugh and his loving wife Elaine, he is now complete again. Hal was, and is, a man defined by the love and kindness he shared with everyone he knew. He will be dearly missed. The family would like to thank Kip DeWeese, the caregivers and aids at the Wellington and Carol and Natalie from Hospice for their tender care of Dad in his final days.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 11:00 am at Garden Park Ward, 1150 Yale Avenue, Salt Lake City. Viewings will be held on Friday, November 4, from 6:00-8:00 pm and Saturday, November 5, from 10:00 to 10:45 am at the Ward. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
