Ekstrom_Harold_Albert_23 April, 1918
LAYTON _ Dad was born April 23, 1918 in Logan, Utah the son of Emil Albert Ekstrom and Wilhelmina Ellis Ekstrom. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his sisters June and Dorothy, and his brother Billy. Harold is survived by his wife of 42 years La Jeanne to whom he was married in the Ogden Temple. He is also survived by his brothers Bob, Monte, Ronnie and sisters Julia and Maxine. He is survived by his four children: Tom (Dell) Ekstrom; Bert (Lynn) Ekstrom Dorothy Ekstrom (Mike Hatch), and Bill (Kim) Ekstrom; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He grew up in Malad, Idaho and spent many memorable hours learning the family business from his father who bought and sold livestock, trained horses, owned and operated a trucking business, and managed the family dry farm ranch. At the young age of 16, dad became the man of the family when his father died after a steer gored him. Like his father, he was a man’s man.
He was a veteran of both World War 11 and the Korean Wars. He served his country by helping boys to become men and have successful lives. In particular, he taught young men to be control tower operators before the advent of radar, a very important role during the wars. He retired from the Federal Aviation Administration after 20 years working at Hill Air Force Base. He attained the t=rank of Gunnery Sergeant in the USMC. He also had is pilot’s license.
He worked and lived several places, finally settling in West Layton. Harold owned a small farm and leased many acres which allowed him t raise his four children, a few cattle, pigs, chickens and horses. He especially enjoyed raising horses, training, racing, and showing them. He produced several American Quarter Horse Association Champion show horses and enjoyed cutter racing in the winter. Harold was exceptionally proud of the fact he won the Wasatch Slopes Sportsman of the year award twice. The past few years he enjoyed horse back riding in the Uintah Mountains and especially Antelope Island with his family and friends or anyone he could talk into driving the truck.
Harold was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a High Priest and enjoyed working in the Ogden Temple with his wife for many years. He loved his family and enjoyed visits from friends. His word was his bond, a hand shake was all that was needed for a deal to be made. He was known for his honesty, integrity and charitable heard.
Funeral services will be held at Evans Meadows Ward Chapel, 752 North 3700 West Layton, Utah at 1 p.m. A viewing will be held Wednesday, May 26, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to services at the church.
Interment will be at Bountiful City Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to www.myers-mortuary.com.