Harold Bruce Messick

On May 26, 2016, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Harold Bruce Messick, of Holladay, Utah, was received into the arms of his Heavenly Father. He lived a long life of service, kindness, and love; and, at his passing, he was surrounded by his loving family who were so blessed to be able to say goodbye.

Harold was born on April 3, 1921, in Elkin, Wilkes County, North Carolina, to Brewster Lee Messick and Alcie Cleo Triplett. He was the 4th of ten children (Juanita Adelaid, Frances Cleo, Wayne Poindexter, Nettie Ovia, Camolee Violet, Ellenlou, Doris Jean, James Calvin, and Marian Elaine).  Harold met Ruth Anna Nielsen, who was serving in the Navy, at Bushnell Hospital in Brigham City, Utah, after the war.  She is the love of his life, and they were married on July 9, 1946, in Brigham City, Utah. They lived in North Carolina for a short while and then moved to Utah where Harold was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 10, 1953.  On December 20, 1960, he and his sweetheart were sealed together, with 4 of their children, for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.  Harold was a devoted, active member of the Church, serving numerous callings with the youth and in the Elders and High Priest Quorums; and, also as a Ward Missionary, touching many lives with his humble, sweet spirit.

In 1942, July 22nd, Harold enlisted in the United States Army. He served in active combat in World War II in the South Pacific where he set up a military hospital in New Caledonia, and served in Okinawa as a Medic, Military Police Officer and Mess Sergeant. He received an honorable discharge on November 6, 1945.  He enlisted to serve in Korea the next day, November 7, 1945, and received an honorable discharge on January 23, 1947.

Painting and decorating were among Harold’s many talents.  He owned a painting and decorating company, Messick and Company (formerly Messick & Nielsen Painting and Decorating), for over 50 years.  He worked with his partner/brother-in-law, Clark J. Nielsen and several of his children and grandchildren, eventually turning the business over to his grandson, Joseph Halford and friend, Rustin Randall.  He was honest, hardworking, and loved his work – continuing until well in his 80’s. Blessed with a great sense of humor and demonstrated a Christ like love in word and deed.  He was, in return, loved by all who met him.

Many of his years were spent serving in the scouting program and coaching baseball. He was devoted to helping and serving youth.  Harold could fix anything! Throughout his life, he loved bowling, golfing, boating, hunting, fishing, cooking, and gardening; but his passion was doing genealogy and temple work for his family.

Harold’s wonderful life will forever be cherished by his wife, Ruth Anna Nielsen, and six children: Harold Bruce Messick Jr. (Margaret), Diane Elizabeth Halford (David), Ronald Clark Messick (Dawn), Mark Joseph Messick (Jean), Allen James Messick (Aimee), and Marilyn Joann Drumiler (Dan).  He is survived by 21 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren who adore him.  He is also survived by one sister, Doris Rein (Donald) of Livingston, Texas.

He was preceded in death by eight of his brothers and sisters; his son, Ronald Clark Messick; and, one great-grandson, Spencer Aiden Callister.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sunrise Assisted Living for the many kindnesses and excellent care given to Harold, as well as his family.

Funeral services will be held on June 1, 2016, at 11:AM at the Olympus 3rd Ward Building at 4100 Camille Dr. (Lincoln Lane), Holladay, Utah.  Viewings will be held at the same location, Tuesday evening from 6-8 PM, and Wednesday morning before the funeral from 9:30-10:45 AM. Funeral directors — Russon Brothers Mortuary, Bountiful, Utah.  Interment will be at the Holladay Memorial Park Cemetery, 4900 S. Memory Lane, Holladay, Utah.