The Legend began on October 19, 1932, in Ogden, Utah. Carl was born to Leonard Carl Hassell and Mildred Taylor. He attended Burch Creek Elementary, Riverdale Junior High, Weber High School, and Weber College, earning an associate’s degree–back when tuition was just $35 a semester. He worked at the Ogden Railway Mail Terminal through college and enjoyed wrestling and boxing in high school. Later, he served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, stationed as a communications officer in Fort Ord, California and Trieste, Italy. Afterward, he became a Procurement Officer at Hill Air Force Base for 29 years before retiring early to build more homes and spend more time with his family.

On September 1, 1955, Carl married his sweetheart, Mary Lou Palmer, in the Salt Lake Temple, followed by a wedding breakfast across the street at Walgreens. They shared 62 wonderful years of marriage. Their first home cost $14,000 and Carl built it himself. Our father adored our mother and would have done anything for her–especially in the final years of her life, when his devotion showed in every small, loving act. Together they loved to travel, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, spending time in Japan, touring Europe, and enjoying several cruises with friends.

Nothing was more important to Carl than friends and family, and his mantra was simple: work hard and play harder. With Dad at the helm, family life meant camping at Pine View, sharing raspberry shakes at Bear Lake, and exploring the canyons of Lake Powell–first in a 16-foot Skyliner that eventually upgraded to a 22-foot SeaRay. If we weren’t waterskiing, we were snow skiing at Powder or Beaver Mountain, annual motorhome trips to California, biking over Trappers Loop, climbing Angels Landing, horseback riding in Jackson, golfing at SunRiver, and parachuting from a plane.

Carl served faithfully in many church callings over the years, but working with the youth was always his favorite. Together they shared countless adventures–floating down rivers, climbing up mountains, and flying down snowy slopes–with Carl leading the way and making sure everyone had a great story to tell afterward.

When Carl was just eight years old, his father handed him a shovel–and he never put it down. That simple gift came to symbolize a lifetime of hard work and pride in doing things well. Carl learned to build houses from his father and proudly passed that skill on to his sons. Over his lifetime, he built more than 35 homes, including several of his own, becoming a true master craftsman along the way.

Grandpa Carl was blessed with 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and was delighted to become a great-great-grandfather of two great-great-grandchildren –and he knew and loved everyone and supported them at every turn. Time with Grandpa meant soaring through stories of Henry the Eagle, playing Captain Hook on Grandpa’s bed, chasing Fox and Geese in the snow, surviving birthday “spanking machines,” endless swimming, and crushing pinatas. You never wanted to have a loose tooth around Grandpa–pliers were always nearby–but no one ever left hungry, with Mickey Mouse pancakes always ready to spare.

He not only taught his children and grandchildren how to ski, pound a hammer, and love the outdoors, but also how to live well–by practicing kindness, offering quiet service, and treating others with integrity. Carl believed in helping wherever help was needed, often without being asked and never seeking credit. We learned early that a short visit is a good visit, not to sweat the small stuff, and that life was always better when it was shared and lived generously.

If you couldn’t find Carl in Ogden listening to KSL radio while tending to his immaculate yard, you could find him in St. George at his beloved SunRiver home–sipping a Coke on the patio overlooking the golf course, relaxing in his den watching his favorite programs, or collecting golf balls on long walks.

After the passing of Mary Lou, Carl developed a fond relationship with Rachel Nelson. Their companionship blessed both their lives. They grew to love each other and enjoyed a special bond for 7 wonderful years. They kept each other young with long walks, heartfelt conversations and putting contests.

Carl is survived by his five children, Dana Brown, David Hassell, Steven Hassell, Paige (Curtis) VandenBosch and Brian Hassell; and his brother Roy Hassell. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Mary Lou; three grandchildren, Mindy Riding, Nathan Brown and Lindsay Holbrook; his parents, and his sister, Joyce McKee.

Carl not only built homes but built people. He built a family, built traditions, and a life full of love and laughter. He will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered. He is leaving a legacy that will never to be forgotten. Life was never better.

A brief memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd., at 2:30 p.m. where full military honors will be accorded.

Condolences may be shared at: www.lindquistmortuary.com.