Ralph McQuiston

Surrounded by his wife and children, James Ralph McQuiston passed peacefully into the next life on September 1st, 2022.  Born January 14th, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Ralph grew up in Centerville, Utah, where he developed a love of animals and a renowned ability to throw hay bales while working at Smoot Dairy.  After graduating from Bountiful High School and serving in the Southwest British Mission, Ralph married his cherished eternal companion, Marlene Hanks, in the Salt Lake City Temple on November 22nd, 1967. With a degree in Electrical Engineering from Salt Lake Community College, Ralph worked for Motorola and Westinghouse and then later earned his general contracting license to begin his lifelong business of Ralph’s Custom Drywall (McQuiston Enterprises).  

Ralph was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in several callings, including the High Council, Young Mens, and many years in the Scouting program.  He was very deeply devoted to the Scouts, attending Wood Badge and numerous outings where he was known for his dutch oven cooking and his spellbinding ability to entertain others. Ralph was able to memorize many poems and songs in his life, and he shared these willingly around roaring campfires and along high mountain trails.

Dad loved his six children immensely and sought to provide many rich experiences for their lives.  He took them on numerous road trips to national parks and instilled a love of camping and days spent on the water.  Dad taught his children by example the value of hard work and attention to detail as well as the importance of serving others.  Many remember him as one who would donate his time and resources to help in unconventional ways, such as roping loose bulls in the neighborhood streets, driving his sandbag-laden trailer down the middle of flooded roads, delivering fruit baskets and loaves of bread to friends and neighbors, and repairing broken appliances in the middle of the night.  

Dad was the quintessential grandpa, keeping his home well stocked with treats and remote-controlled vehicles and allowing the grandkids to play games on his office computers while he made them homemade french fries and restaurant-worthy holiday breakfasts.

Ralph was a beloved resident of Covington Senior Living in Farmington, Utah, where he spent the last year of his life.  All who knew him there spoke of his kindness and gentle manner, and he deeply loved and respected the talented staff and care workers who enriched his life so compassionately during his stay. 

Ralph is survived by his spouse, Marlene Hanks McQuiston; his children, Max (Cami), Jay (Andria), Sonja, Marcy, Tammy (Josef), Val (Amber); and his 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, September 9, 2022, at the LDS Chapel, 3317 South 800 West, Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will be held Thursday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, and again Friday morning 9:30-10:30 at the church prior to services.

Services will be streamed live on Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and this obituary page below 10-15 minutes before services begin.

Services will also be streamed on Zoom at this link: https://zoom.us/j/94214297809