Hal Ross Belnap

Hal Ross Belnap passed away peacefully at home on August 25, 2021.  He was born at home on October 4, 1929, to Wilford and Louise (Oscarson) Belnap.  During the Depression years, the family had very little in temporal means, but their home was one of love and security.  By 1935, his father was able to buy a two-story house in the Avenues of Salt Lake City, where Hal and his brother, Dean, were raised.   They attended the old 20th Ward on 2nd Avenue, where Hal had many fond memories of excellent youth leaders.   He and his friends played street football and many other games.  He enjoyed visiting with the elderly people in the ward, including Brigham Young’s daughter-in-law, who told him many interesting pioneer stories.  Hal graduated from East High School and attended the University of Utah.

While working at Salt Lake General Hospital in 1948, Hal met a lovely young lady named Maxine Driggs, who was training to be a nurse.  Although marriages were not allowed for those in nurses’ training, Hal and Maxine quietly married on July 17, 1948.  He continued living at home, and she finished her training. At this time, Hal completed his training as a machinist in the Utah National Guard.

In June of 1949, the marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple, and in March of 1950, their first child, Susan Rae, was born.   About 20 months later, Hal and Maxine built a house next to his parents in Bountiful, Utah.   Hal made the final move into their new home alone because Maxine had just given birth to their second child, Bruce, and was in the hospital.  The young family enjoyed their new home, neighborhood, and ward.  Hal was soon asked to be a Teachers’ Quorum Advisor, which he greatly enjoyed.   Serving a Stake Mission in 1954 was a turning point in Hal’s life.  When he started this mission, he began to diligently study the scriptures; this became a lifelong pursuit for him.  He was able to recall countless passages of scripture by memory.

Another son, Wilford Neal, was born to the family in March of 1955.  When Neal was a year old, Hal was asked to serve as a second counselor to Bishop William Hoagland of the Bountiful 4th Ward.  Four years later, he served in the Bountiful South Stake Mission and was asked to be the Stake Mission President shortly thereafter.  Being called as the first scout master in the Bountiful 36th Ward was another calling Hal enjoyed.  He said, “This was a choice experience, and I saw many fine young men mature through these years and become outstanding missionaries and young fathers.”

Serving on the Stake High Council was another opportunity for spiritual growth.  In 1978, Hal became a counselor in the Stake Presidency.  During this time, he was in a serious motorcycle accident; months of rehabilitation followed, but through the care of good medical personnel and with priesthood blessings, he was able to recover.   Of this experience, Hal said, “I have found that adversities have strengthened my spiritual growth.  I received greater understanding for the problems of my brothers and sisters in the gospel cause.”

Creating good family memories was important to him; the family went on several vacations.  They also spent many summer days water skiing at Pineview Reservoir and Lake Powell. He enjoyed watching old Western movies and listening to old time country music.   He was a devoted husband and father who taught his three children to live with integrity.   For many years, he cared for his aging parents, who lived next door.

Hal was a civilian administrator at Hill Air Force Base and retired in 1976.   These years brought many friendships and opportunities for growth.  He was a dedicated employee who took on any challenge given to him and excelled in fulfilling it.

Hal R. Belnap is survived by his wife of 73 years, Maxine Driggs Belnap as well as his children Sue (Ken) Olson, Bruce (Cheryl) Belnap, and Neal (Jan) Belnap.  Additionally, he leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dean, and one great grandchild, Cora.

A funeral service and viewing will be held at the Bountiful 36th Ward chapel at 102 East 1400 South in Bountiful on Friday, September 3.  The viewing will be 9:30-10:30, followed by the funeral at 11:00.  Interment will be in the Bountiful City Cemetery.

The service will be live streamed on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page.