Norman Van Massey

In the still, quiet hours of the morning of August 08, 2014, and in his own home, Norman Van Massey slipped peacefully from the confines of his mortal body and the earthly embrace of family and friends into the presence of a loving Heavenly Father, most probable into the arms of his mother with his father by her side, his sons whether one by one or just one grand ole group hug. We know that it was difficult for him to leave Wanda and little his brother Donnie but rejoiced in the reunion with Roy, Sewell, Mable, Pearl, JD, Odis, LaPreal, Lois, Zelph, Edwin and Mona Rae. Born August 16, 1929, the seventh of eight sons, the twelfth of fourteen children to Lewis Fry Donelly "Van" Massey and Maybell Thacker in Vernal, Utah. He was also the twelfth to pass away leaving Wanda and Don to bring up the rear. At the time of Norman's birth the family lived in a home they had purchased on main street.in Vernal which they owned until Grandmother Massey passed away. To quote from the book " The Uniting of the Massey's and the Jarrells " it states: "Van's discipline could be harsh, but when epidemics or an illness hit the family, it was always his tender hands that cared for the sick throughout the night and back to health. Although his "wrath of indignation" could burn your ears, he was just as powerful in convincing you that you were a child of God and of a chosen lineage that you should take pride in." It was through this that Dad learned to work and work hard, be proud of who is was, to be tough when necessary and tender in moments of love and compassion for all those around him. . At the age of 20 he married LaZon Pearl Rich on April 02, 1950. She was 16. They became the parents of five children. They later divorced. Norman married Helen Allred Winn December 18, 1970 and became a step-father to Helen's children born of her first marriage. They were sealed in the Provo Utah LDS Temple on March 26, 1983. They built their lives and raised their family together living in their home in Maeser for over the past forty years. Norman is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He has a strong, firm testimony of the gospel and his family knows it. He often spoke of the time he spent serving in the Bishopric and the men that he served with as some of the most treasured times in his life. He truly loves these men. He loves the Lord, sustained and revered each and every prophet and has a profound respect, appreciation and understanding of the priesthood. Dad lived most of his life in and around Vernal. He attended Uintah High School and loved math. He was good at it. At one point he decided to enlist in the service. He passed the physical but a doctor noticed one of his eyes just didn't quite work right and he did not get to serve his county. Fire wood, cedar posts, fencing and truck driving meant hard work and survival. He was swinging an axe at the age of four years old. After all, he had six older brothers and his father to learn from. As a young boy, Dad fell out of a fruit tree and broke his right arm in the elbow. His father had him packing a bucket full of rocks in an attempt to have his arm heal properly. Dad never was able to completely straighten out his elbow. Because of this Dad used his left hand for many things. He was as good with his left hand as he was with his right. Whether swinging and axe, a hammer or even a ball bat, he was good at it with either hand. Dad was self-employed for much of his life; partnering with Edwin in companies that provided fencing, excavating and truck driving. They were very close as brothers and best friends as well. They built many a mile of fence for the BLM out in the middle of nowhere. Oh the stories that could be told . . . Norman enjoyed hunting, horses, bowling, ptiching horse shoes and softball. Many will remember his beautiful signing voice. He had the ability to yodel and could whistle any tune..More than one of the Massey boys were known for their boxing skills. Dad was one of them. His greatest joy was his family. Many times he loaded up the grandsons, his wife and the lunch she packed for the whole crew to head up the mountain for firewood. For him, he was not just cutting wood, he was teaching and instilling in them the principle of hard work and bonding with them while enjoying this time together. There were times when we would also walk to the local elementary school for a good game of softball. A simple thing such as sitting in the shade of a tree watching his grandchildren play put a smile on his face. It has been said that a parent should not have to bury their children. Dad did. His first child, a son, was here but for a moment. Jerry Lane left next, then Reed and Twain. All of his sons went ahead of him. That said, can you imagine the joy in our fathers heart to have been reunited with those whom he has missed so deeply? And now it is our turn. Dad, we love you, we miss you immensely already and look forward to the day we will be with you again. Rest well. Norman is survived by his wife Helen of Vernal, UT, daughters, Vickie Mae Massey (Scott) Hagman, Vannette Massey (Glen) Ross, both of Arcadia, UT, Shirley (Gabe) Nault, Draper, UT, Barbara (Ronald) Zeller, Davis, UT, daughters-in-law; Roseanna Massey, Las Vegas, NV, Yvonne Corless, Vernal, UT, 23 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren, sister Wanda Reynolds, Roosevelt, UT and brother Donelly Massey, Vernal, UT and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, sons, Joshua, Norman Reed and Jerry Lane Massey, Larry Twain Winn and his wife Rose Black Winn, a daughter, Glenda Lee Winn, grandsons; Jeremiah Reed Massey, Laramie Twain Winn, a great grandson, Aaron Jensen, eleven brothers and sisters. The family wishes to thank those who had a hand in caring for him; Joeann, Joyce, Tammy and Shelly. You can't know how grateful we are to you for the compassion shown him during these last months of his life. Thank you to Larry, Gaylynn and Nolan. Your years of friendship to our father meant the world to him. Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Maeser Stake Center. Viewing Tuesday evening from 6-8 at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary and at the Chapel one hour prior to the services. Burial will was in the Vernal Memorial Park. Compassionate services were provided by the Maeser 7th Ward Relief Society. www.blackburnvernalmortuary.com