Roger Earl Seegrist

Roger Earl Seegrist passed away June 30, 2014 from the effects of vascular dementia. He was born November 17, 1938 in his grandmother's home in Van Tassell, Wyoming and was the only child of Earl Seegrist and Alleine Hammond. Dad married his sweetheart Carol Joy Young on December 20, 1958 in Salt Lake City and was sealed in the Los Angeles temple September 11, 1959. He was preceded in death by his parents, spouse Carol Joy Young, and one grandchild, Dallin Braithwaite. They are joyfully reunited now! They are the parents of six children: Earl (Julie), Alan (Nina), Glen (Tori), John (Dione), Scott (Jennifer), MerriLynne (Reed) Braithwaite, 48 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.

Although an only child he had many cousins he was quite close to. He was proud of his ranching heritage and always had a interesting story to tell about his family (especially his grandparents). His father died when he was 16, and his mother died 18 months later. He continued to run their ranch until he graduated high school and then moved to Los Angeles to live with his aunt and uncle (Helen and Roland Gagstetter). During this time he met his future wife, Carol Joy Young, who introduced him to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After a thorough investigation he decided to be baptized but was told he would have to move if he chose to do so. He knew it was the right thing to do so he moved to Provo, Utah to attend BYU as a non-member, received the missionary discussions again and was baptized. Due to his commitment to the gospel he served a mission to Nigeria, Africa and twenty of his descendants have served missions, with countless more to follow. The effects of his courage to follow Jesus Christ will be felt forever! Dad graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in law enforcement and from the University of Utah in educational psychology. He worked in law enforcement, as a counselor, and in transportation. Dad loved to work, never relaxed and was happiest serving others. He taught his children the value of work and how to work hard. He loved serving in the Boy Scouts of America, touched many hearts, and helped all five sons earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Dad was a good-hearted man who enjoyed life and loved to pull pranks on his loved ones. These traits are well represented within his progeny. Dad was a giant of a man both physically (standing 6 feet 5 inches tall) and in character. He was a man's man who knew what it meant to stand for something, regardless of the challenge, and he always stood in spite of the odds against him. He was a fierce defender of his children (Heaven help those who offended them). He was a champion of the underdog, understanding their needs and always offering a helping hand of friendship. He taught his children to live these same values. He lived great and died great in the eyes of those whom he served!

Services will be held Monday July 7, 2014 at 10:00 AM in the Glenmoor 7th ward chapel at 4147 W Skye Drive (9790 S) South Jordan, Utah. Viewings will be held Sunday July 6, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah, and again the day of the service from 8:30 to 9:45 AM in the Glenmoor 7th ward chapel.

God be with us 'till we meet again!

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