Santa Clara, Utah - Arlo John Hafen, 88, last living member of his 13 sibling family, joined them on July 8, 2011. Dad was born March 2, 1923, in Santa Clara. He had a happy childhood with many friends as they shot doves with flippers, trapped squirrels, swam in the St. George ditch, and explored the Santa Clara Creek and red sand hills in search of squawbush gum and arrowheads. He was always proud to be a Clary Dutchman, who were in his words "Prominent in school activities and popular with the girls". Dad grew up working with his father and brothers ranching and farming in the fields of Santa Clara and St. George with summers spent at Pinto, Utah. Dad was educated at Dixie College, Xavier University, University of Utah and graduated with his teaching degree from BAC in Cedar City. Dad's love of Dixie and his desire to reside here steered his career choice to education because opportunities in other fields were limited at that time in Dixie. Dad taught school for 35 years, mostly in the 5th and 6th grades and as principal of the original Santa Clara Elementary school before it was razed in 1975. Dad was drafted into the Signal Corps on his 20th birthday in 1943. He later transferred to the Air Corps where he trained in San Antonio, Texas and Valdosta, Georgia as a pilot of the A-26 and B-26 (newest and fastest) medium-range bombers in the Air Force. Dad was always proud to wear his pilot wings and officer's uniform.
Dad married Ramona Chamberlain of Orderville, Utah on September 6, 1949, in the St. George LDS Temple. They are the parents of Rick (Susan) Hafen, Pam (Jim) Strebel, Suzanne (Jeff) Webb, Hans (Lori) Hafen, Ned (Debbie) Hafen, Jill (Ivan) Peterson, and Jennifer (Todd) Stevenson. Dad and Mom are grandparents to 35 and great grandparents to five, with four more expected this year. Family meant everything to Dad. He had tender memories especially of his mother and great respect for his Swiss ancestors. He looked forward to seeing his siblings and parents again, all of whom preceded him in death: Parents: Adolph and Nellie Atkin Hafen; siblings: Lila Reber, Paul Hafen, Lola McArthur, Minnie McGregor, Olive Moss, Ruth Romney, Ned Hafen, Ethel McArthur, Karl Hafen, Lily Mae Snow, Melba Kessler, and Dan Hafen.
Dad served on the hospital board, town council, and was selected as Outstanding Citizen by KSL in 1964. He held the position of Water Master of the St. George Field Canal Company (for more years than anyone can remember) to maintain his association with the few remaining farmers on the ditch. Dad served as a member of several bishoprics, bishop, high counselor, counselor in the stake presidency, temple worker and his favorite: Gospel Doctrine Teacher. He spoke in well over 100 funerals, and gave many great sermons. He always advised the youth to "Remember their pioneer ancestors, and the debt they owe to them".
Dad believed in honesty, hard work and wasting nothing. He was a lifelong supporter and fan of Dixie. He loved farming, being around cattle and the smell of hay. He wrote poetry, enjoyed nature and took great pleasure in teaching. Members of Dad's Santa Clara Ward will remember the scores of flowers he grew and arranged into beautiful bouquets than delivered early Sunday mornings to the chapel. Dahlias, the size of dinner plates, were his trademark flower. Dad counted as his choicest blessings, his family, the good people of Dixie, and until the last five years, his good health.
We, his family, express gratitude and thanks not only to those who helped and visited while dad was sick and dying, including Southern Utah Home Care and Hospice, but also to those who helped along the way of life and living. We are happy that dad has endured well and finished his earthly test. We love him and look forward to seeing him again.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 15, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Santa Clara Valley LDS Chapel, 3040 West Santa Clara Drive, Santa Clara, Utah. Visitations will be held Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah and on Friday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m at the Chapel. Interment will follow at the Santa Clara City Cemetery. Dad was never one for wasting money but always one sympathetic to the plight of others. In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions be made to the Humanitarian, PEF or Missionary funds of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221