Haven J. Barlow peacefully passed away at his home in Layton, Utah, February 6, 2022, after a long, extraordinary life and gentle decline.

Haven was born January 4, 1922 in Clearfield, Utah to Jesse D. and Isadora Beck Barlow. His mother Isadora was killed in a tragic car/train accident when he was just nine months old. He and his older brother David survived the accident. His father married Freda Knudsen, a recent immigrant from Denmark, who raised the boys as her own.

Haven graduated from Davis High School in 1940 where he played football and served as Senior Class Secretary. Following high school Haven earned a degree in business administration at Utah State Agricultural College, now Utah State University. He joined the U.S. Navy and attended officer candidate school at Harvard University. He served as a naval supply and disbursement officer in the Pacific and Atlantic Theatres in World War II, receiving the Philippine Liberation Medal.

Haven and his wife Bonnie Rae Ellison Barlow were married for 58 years before Bonnie Rae passed away in 2002. Bonnie Rae was the love of his life. They met on the tennis courts in Layton and Haven said that he had never seen so many freckles on one person. Haven and Bonnie Rae returned to Davis County after World War II, where they reared their six children in Layton. Haven spent his whole life living in Davis County with the exception of his military service.

In 1949, Haven established the Barlow Realty and Insurance Company in Layton. Haven was active in the Barlow Family Companies until recently.

Haven was elected to the Utah State Legislature in 1952 where he served consecutively for 42 years from 1953 to 1994, longer than any other legislator in Utah history. During this period, he served as President of the Utah State Senate for six years and served with six different governors.

While serving as a legislator he introduced and sponsored a number of significant pieces of legislation that are still vital to the state today.

As Senate President, he made it possible for all legislators to be part of the appropriations process. Haven also made it possible for all children to receive equal education money from the state.

One of his greatest accomplishments was establishing a four-year Weber State University, and Weber State Davis Campus. Haven backed legislation that created the present Davis Technical College, and Ogden-Weber Technical College. He is often referred to as the “Godfather of Utah Technical Education.”

He was a strong advocate of Davis County interests, including the creation of the Hill Aerospace Museum, Freeport Center, and Antelope Island State Park.

He was a lifelong devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints. He served in numerous callings including, Bishop, High Councilor, Temple Worker, and a special mission at the Utah State Prison. Haven loved the scriptures and had an unwavering testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He recently celebrated his 100th birthday, his final goal. He was proud that he was 26 years younger than the State of Utah, who’s birthday they shared. He was a strong supporter of the Arts, The Children’s Center, Utah Symphony and Opera, and numerous charitable organizations. He was an avid supporter and participant of all sports. His favorites being golf and tennis and competing in both of the Huntsman Senior Games until there was no one else his age to compete.

He had many accomplishments in life, but nothing was more important than the relationships with his family. Each Thanksgiving, family members gathered from far and wide to celebrate and spend time together at the Barlow Family Reunion. This was an event that everyone looked forward to attending. He had a special relationship with each of his family members and celebrated in their accomplishments. He was beloved by his family.

He is survived by: Jesselie (A. Scott Anderson), Heidi (Ted W. Harris), Haven J. Barlow, Jr. (Amy), Debra Barlow, Stewart E. (Marie), Rachel (Curtis Richardson), 34 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Carol E. Morgan, brother-in-law Robert B. Anderson and devoted friend Elda Stevenson.

Preceded in death by, his parents, David B. Barlow and Jesse Barlow (brothers), Wanda B. Barton (sister), and Duncan E. Barlow (son).

The family would like to express deep gratitude to Maria Perea, who faithfully cared for Haven for more than seven years. We also appreciate the additional caregivers and the Summit Home Health and Hospice.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Layton Holmes Creek Stake Center, 125 Chapel Street, Layton, Utah. Friends may visit with family Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah and Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery.

Services will be live-streamed and may be viewed at www.lindquistmortuary.com by scrolling to the bottom of Haven’s obituary page.

Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com