Ralph Kay Harmer passed away peacefully at Mountain View Hospital, January 25, 2022. He was born July 21, 1937, in Mapleton, Utah, to Grace Koyle and Ralph Harmer. He was the third of six children.
He is survived by his brothers, Bliss and Russell; and a sister, Myrna. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jim; and his sister, Shirlene.
Kay learned the value of hard work on his family farm, and continued to serve in the United States Army as a paratrooper and finance clerk, while also serving his church as a missionary chaplain for several years. He attended Snow College, where he played football and graduated as the valedictorian. He later went to Utah State to get his teaching degree and then returned several years later to earn a Master’s Degree in History.
He married Karen Hutchings on September 1, 1960; and they had five children: Scott Kay Harmer (Atsuko), Trent Kay Harmer, Kate Elliott (Bruce), Jill Tullis (Ken), and Paul (deceased). They lived in Springville, where they built a home and he enjoyed working in his garden. He later married June Holt Biggs and became a father again, to her four girls: Terry Newton (Guy), Shirley Thomas-deceased (Tony), Bonnie Thornton, and Karen Johnson (Darrell). Kay has 33 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and even some great-great grandchildren.
Kay worked for Nebo School District for 30 years. He taught history at Spanish Fork Junior High for most of those years and coached football, tennis, and basketball for a few years, as well as coaching wrestling for many years. He loved working with kids.
He wrote the first history of Mapleton and had it published as part of the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial Celebration.
He loved to travel, and on one of these travels discovered the beauty of dream-catchers. He spent many hours making extraordinary dream-catchers, which are displayed on the walls of his home. He also enjoyed building things, carving things, and writing poetry. He was frequently invited to display his art at the Peteetneet and Fremont Museums. He loved music and could often be found playing the ukulele, guitar, or banjo. We will miss his music and his great stories.
His funeral service will be Saturday afternoon, January 29, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah 84651. Prior to the funeral, a visitation for family and friends will also be at the funeral home, from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Interment will be at Springville Evergreen Cemetery.
5 Condolences for Ralph Kay Harmer
Condolences(5)
Kathy says
January 27, 2022 at 7:31 pmI was one of the fortunate ones to have had Mr. Harmer as a teacher. I remember him as being kind, patient and having a good sense of humor. I looked forward to going to his class.
Davejhuff says
January 27, 2022 at 7:37 pmDear June and Family, I am so sorry that Kay has passed on. He was such a great friend and mentor to me. I always considered him as an older brother. We spent many, many hours “just visiting” between classes, at lunch, before and after school, planning and socializing. I will miss him and am so grateful for our association through the years.
Your friendship through these many years has meant so very much.
Thomas Hodgson says
January 27, 2022 at 9:31 pmSo sad to hear about Coach Harmer passing away. I was fortunate enough to have him as a teacher and a coach. What a great man! Rest in Peace Coach.
Lee Hill says
January 28, 2022 at 4:24 pmI am so sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Harmer. I remember a career development assignment he gave our class one term in 1971. I was new to Spanish Fork at the time and that assignment helped fuel a life-long interest in aviation. We often don’t realize how much our teachers influence us for our entire lives. Thank you, Mr. Harmer, for your kindness and interest in me at a time when I was very unsure of myself.
Cynthia Harmer Brooks says
January 29, 2022 at 6:50 pmI will miss my Uncle Kay. I loved his laughter. I am so thankful he gave me cousins. I have so many childhood memories with them. Kay’s birthday parties and Easter celebrations were so much fun. Days and Evenings that I wished would never end. To be with him and his accomplished wife,June was always warm and welcoming experience.
Send Flowers
Sympathy Arrangements
Wreaths and Standing Arrangements
Casket and Family Flowers
Print Obituary