Harry J. Markowski

Harry J Markowski passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, February 17th, at the age of 83. Born on November 26, 1941, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Harry and Arelie Markowski, he was the youngest of four children, with three older sisters: Mary Ann, Dorothy, and Helen.

Harry loved sports and grew up playing any sport he could. He attended Idaho Falls High School and lettered in baseball, basketball, football and track. Football was his favorite and went on to play quarterback for Rick’s College in 1961. He was a talented athlete and excelled in any sport he played. His love of football followed him to adulthood and he was always willing to “throw the pigskin” around with anyone who wanted to, even making up elaborate plays and routes for backyard games. He also had a love for all BYU sports and called to give play-by-plays on the games we missed. He was rarely seen without a BYU hat. 

From 1963 to 1966, Harry served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paris, France where he developed a love for the people and culture of France. This experience led him to later spending five years as a principal with the Foreign Study League, taking high school students on tours of Europe. After his mission, he attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Once at BYU, he met Clara Jones. Clara lived in an apartment of cute girls and Harry and his friends were “making the rounds” looking for girls in the ward to make them something to eat. Clara was dating someone from her hometown, but he asked her to go on a “friendly date” to a football game. His fun personality won her over, and they were married August 8, 1969 in the Idaho Falls LDS temple. He graduated from BYU with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business. 

After finishing school, Harry and Clara moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Harry built a successful career with First Security Bank over 25 years, serving in various positions over the years. He was actively involved in the Salt Lake City Lions Club, serving as the president from 1981-1982. After leaving banking, Harry transitioned to the real estate industry, where he enjoyed meeting new people and was always looking for the next new project. His fatherly wisdom usually included some kind of real estate or financial advice. 

While living in Salt Lake, Harry and Clara were blessed with five children-one boy and 4 girls-Ryan, Alicia, Jaclyn, Natalie and Michelle. In 1986, they moved to Bountiful, Utah where they were blessed with another son, Bret. This is where they raised their family with loving friends and neighbors in the Bountiful Hills area. Family was always very important to them.

Harry was a fun dad and grandpa. Up until his final days, he always had a “dad joke” to share, often calling just to tell it to you. He loved changing common phrases to his own version, just to get a rise and an eyeroll out of his kids and grandkids. He was always up for a game of Slap Jack or Old Maid, could play a mean game of “PIG” on the outside hoop, and was always willing to give you a push on the swings. Harry had the “gift of gab”. If he knew you, he would always ask sincere questions and really listen to what you had to say. If he didn’t know you, he would find something to talk to you about, and considered you a friend by the end of the conversation. He and his dog, Bob, would take daily walks around the neighborhood and chat with anyone he could find on the way. Harry loved a cold Dr. Pepper anytime, but he really loved sharing one with family and friends while having a chat on a porch or a couch. His kids and grandkids loved when “Grandpa Harry” would pop by, always bringing a popsicle or other treat. He enjoyed recreating in Montana with family and took many kids out to catch a fish on the creek with a worm. 

Harry was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various callings throughout his life, including stake presidency counselor, stake clerk, Sunday School president, primary worker, and librarian.

Harry is survived by his wife, Clara, his children Ryan Markowski (Annie), Alicia Rylands, Jaclyn Ryujin, Natalie Dinnell (Haze), Michelle Hildreth (Kellen), and Bret Markowski (Lexi). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ashtin, Cortnee, Abby, Wyatt (Bella), Seth, and Lucy Markowski, Avery and Leo Jones, Conner, Dylan, and Brooke Rylands, Kylee, Brynne, and Kenzee Ryujin, Mabel, Ethan, and Jill Dinnell, Hailey, Hannah, Jacob, and Daniel Hildreth, Marshall, Emma, Parker, and Miles Markowski, and his great-granddaughter, Zara Cook. His sisters, Mary Ann Ragan (Reed) and Dorothay Towler, also survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Bruno Markowski and Arelie Ann Tea Markowski, and his sister, Helen Smith (Bill).

A Viewing and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Russon Mortuary, 295 N Main St, Bountiful, UT, from 1:00-3:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, share a Dr. Pepper with a friend and think of Harry.