Ernest Blessing, 97, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and mining engineer, passed away peacefully in his sleep Aug. 13, 2000 in Salt Lake City of natural causes. He had great interest in all of his family’s activities and accomplishments, and was generous beyond measure to those he knew and loved, and to all in need.
Born April 9, 1903 in Schenectady, New York to William D. and Ella Williamson Blessing. Married Rhea Ipson, Dec. 23, 1940. He worked 64 years as a surveyor and mining engineer in Coya, Chile ( 3 ½ years), Japan ( 10 months), New York, California, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Utah, for various firms and State and Federal Governments. Retired as Regional Mining Supervisor for the U.S. Geological Survey after 35 years of service.
B.S. degree 1927, New Mexico School of Mines (now New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology), Socorro, New Mexico; M.S.. in Metallurgy in 1937, University of Utah. Member of American Mining Congress; American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers: AARP; and Federal Employees’ Retirement Association.
Survived by his wife Rhea of Salt Lake City, and daughter Elizabeth and Paul Reimann of Bountiful; four grandchildren; Kathryn and Douglas Atkinson of Malad, ID; Kristin and Sean Roylance of Salem, UT; Kimberly Reimann and Kent Ernest Reimann, both of Bountiful; and five great-grandchildren; Logan and Dallin Atkinson; and Jeffrey , Allyson and Justin Roylance; and in-laws Ruth and Kenneth Cannon of Provo, Verda Lorimer of Salt Lake City, Donna Ipson of Bountiful, Hyrum and Sammy Ipson of Monroe, Lena and Rex Wilson of Pleasant Grove, and numerous well-loved nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents William and Ella, and by his twin sister Evelyn Jones and sister Elizabeth Collins.
Viewing is Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 6-8 p.m. at Larkin-Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 E. 1300 South, SLC. Graveside services and Interment is at the Panguitch, Utah Cemetery, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 1 p.m. Funeral Directors: Neal S. Magleby and Sons Mortuary, Richfield.