Obituary - William Kenneth Firmage

William Kenneth Firmage, age 91, passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2002 in Sun City, Florida.

Kenneth was born October 17, 1910 in American Fork, Utah to David P. Firmage and Florence Jones Firmage. He grew up in Nephi and Spanish Fork, Utah. He graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1928. After a year at the University of Utah he served a 30-month mission for the LDS Church in Germany. After returning home he attended Brigham Young University and received a B.S. degree in business in 1935. He then enrolled in the MBA program at Harvard University. He received a MBA (MS) degree in 1937. He was employed in the eastern states with several firms.

He married Phyllis Fletcher in the Salt Lake Temple in 1936. They first made their home in New York City. During World War II he was employed in Washington D.C. as a coordinator of petroleum shipments to the Allied Forces in Europe. At the end of World War II he served three months in Germany as a member of the Strategic Bombing Survey. In this capacity he used his ability in the German Language. He then started an insurance agency in Chatham, NJ and remained there until retirement. While in Chatham he and Phyllis had two sons and one daughter. Phyllis died of a heart attack in 1966.

In 1968 Kenneth married SuZann Swain. They then made their home in Alford, Mass., in the summer and Sun City, Florida in the winter. Kenneth was active in the LDS Church serving in several callings including High Counselor in the New Jersey Stake. Kenneth and wives, Phyllis and SuZann traveled extensively in Europe and Asia.

He is survived by his wife SuZann; daughter Karen Skousen (Loran) of Arlington, Texas; son David (Zan) of Fairfield, Maine; son Charles (Mavis) of Boise, Idaho; one brother Allan (Provo) and sisters Doris Chambers and Barbara Stewart of Modesto, CA; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister Florence Liechty.

A brief service for family and friends will be held in the chapel of Walker Mortuary, 187 South Main, Spanish Fork at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2002. Burial will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

--Deseret News, February 28, 2002

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FIRMAGE, William Kenneth, 91 of Sun City Center, passed away Feb. 16, 2002.

A native of American Fork, Utah, Mr. Firmage moved to the area from Chatham, N.J.

He was a retired life insurance agent and Realtor. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and had served as a Lt. Colonel in the Army Reserve during World War II. He was the author of several books, including "Season of Fire, Season of Faith" and "Flight From Destiny".

He is survived by his wife, SuZan of Sun City Center; two sons, David of Fairfield, Maine, and Charles of Boise, Idaho; two stepsons, Tom Swain of Venezuela and Ralph Swain of Virginia; a daughter, Karen Firmage Skousen of Arlington, Texas; a brother, Allan of Provo, Utah; two sisters, Doris Chambers and Barbara Stewart, both of Modesto, Calif.; 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 5207 12th St. NE, Apollo Beach. Burial will be in Spanish Fork, Utah.

Learn more about William on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/firmage/william-kenneth-firmage.

Obituary - John Main McBride

Former Resident Dies

John McBride, formerly a resident of this city, died in Salt Lake on Tuesday, and the funeral services were conducted Thursday.

Deceased was one of the pioneers of Rock Springs, he having come in an ox team across the plains before the Union Pacific Railroad was built. He left about eleven years ago to make his home in Salt Lake. His many friends regret to learn of his demise. Mrs. Pat Mahon of Superior, Mr. and Mrs. John Firmage and Mrs. John White went to Salt Lake to attend the funeral.

--Rock Springs Rocket no. 12, February 05, 1915

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DEATH OF A FORMER WELL KNOWN RESIDENT

The death of John M. McBride, a former well known and highly respected citizen of Rock Springs, occurred on Tuesday in a Salt Lake hospital, following an operation for intestinal trouble. He was taken to the hospital last Saturday, the operation was performed on Sunday and he passed away on Tuesday, at 3 a.m.

The deceased was born in Scotland, June 5th, 1846, and came to America when a young man. He was one of the pioneer settlers of this section, making the trip west with an ox team before the building of the railroad. Later he was employed on the construction work of the Union Pacific road. After its completion, he was foreman of old No. 2 mine, now known as the Park Coal Co. mine.

He left here about eleven years ago and has since made his home in Salt Lake City. He leaves a widow and two children, Mrs. Pat Mahon and John McBride, beside an immense circle of friends to mourn his death. The funeral was held in Salt Lake City on Friday afternoon.

--Rock Springs Miner no. 6, February 06, 1915

Learn more about John on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/mcbride/john-main-mcbride.

Obituary - Elizabeth Firmage McBride

Mrs. Elizabeth MacBride, 79, 160 North Ninth West street, died Sunday evening at a local hospital from infirmities incident to her age.

She was born August 30, 1852, in Fifeshire, Scotland, and had been a resident of Salt Lake for 30 years.

She was a widow of John MacBride, who died in 1915.

With her at the time of death was her niece, Mrs. R.C. Barrass, who had cared for her during the past seven years.

Mrs. MacBride is survived by three brothers, William Firmage of American Fork, John Firmage of Salt Lake and James Firmage of Minnesota.

--Salt Lake Tribune, May 2, 1932

Learn more about Elizabeth on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/firmage/elizabeth-firmage-1852.

Obituary - Helen Margaret Firmage

DEATH OF LITTLE HELEN MARGARET FIRMAGE

The death of Helen Margaret, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Firmage, occurred last Saturday afternoon, after a brave fight against a complication of diseases.

Little Helen Margaret was born on April 22nd, and had been an unusually healthy, happy baby, the joy and pride of the household. About two weeks ago she was taken ill and in spite of all that could be done to relieve her, passed away last Saturday.

The funeral services were held at the home on Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock, conducted by Rev. S. A. Webber. Interment was made in Mountain View cemetery, many beautiful flowers covering her last resting place. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of the community in their sorrow.

--Rock Springs Miner; December 23, 1916

Learn more about Helen on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/firmage/helen-margaret-firmage.

Obituary - Elizabeth Firmage White Barrass

Mrs. Barrass Funeral Rites Set for Today

Funeral services for Mrs. Richard C. Barrass will be held at 2:30 this afternoon at the L.D.S. church. Bishop William Gibbs of the second ward will conduct the rites and burial will be in Mountain View cemetery.

Members of the Pythian Sisters lodge will conduct short services at the Villanova funeral home at 2 p.m.

Mrs. Barrass, a lifelong resident of Rock Springs, died Wednesday at Sweetwater Memorial hospital.

--Rock Springs Daily Rocket, February 25, 1956

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MRS. RICHARD C. BARRASS

Funeral services for Mrs. Richard C. Barrass, 64, of 810 Center street were held Saturday afternoon at the L.D.S. church. Bishop William Gibbs of the Second ward conducted the rites and burial was in Mountain View cemetery.

Pallbearers were selected from the Knights of Pythias lodge and were Aaron Deneley, Joe Dominske, R.L. Francis, John Retford, Joseph Seppie and Pete Shinazy.

Mrs. Barrass, a life long resident of Rock Springs, died early Wednesday morning in Sweetwater Memorial hospital following a three-week illness.

She was born Elizabeth Firmage Feb. 6, 1892 in Rock Springs, a daughter of John and Janet Firmage, early day residents of the city. She was married to Richard C. Barrass here Jan. 21, 1921.

Survivors are her husband, one daughter and two sons, Mrs. Robert E. Woods and Richard Barrass, both of Pocatello, Idaho, and George White of Rock Springs; seven grandchildren and two sisters and one brother, John Firmage of Rock Springs, Mrs. Janet Hoye of Layton, Utah, and Mrs. Mary Ellen Buchanan of San Francisco.

Mrs. Barrass was a member of the Pythian Sisters lodge and members of the organization conducted funeral rites at the Villanova funeral home Saturday before the services at the church.

--Rock Springs Miner, February 26, 1956

Learn more about Elizabeth on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/firmage/elizabeth-firmage-1892.

Obituary - Scott H. Johnson

Scott H. Johnson

March 8, 1963 - February 2, 2015

Following a lengthy illness, Scott H. Johnson died at his home in Lander, Wyoming in February. Scott was the third child born in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Jane Van Valkenburg and Larry A. Johnson (deceased).

Scott moved to Ogden, Utah with his mother when he was three years old. He attended schools in Washington Terrace and Weber County and graduated from Weber High School in 1981. Scott furthered his education by graduating with degrees from Weber State University and the University of Wyoming and extended his education in graduate studies at the University of New Mexico.

While attending his school, Scott worked for his stepfather, Joy A. Ward, doing custom farm work. He later worked as an archaeologist in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Wyoming doing field worked. He loved this work because he enjoyed walking through country where not many have tread, finding Native American artifacts and speculating and determining how they lived. He also relished living in Lander because it is located at the foot of the Wind River Range of the Rocky Mountains and provided many outdoor recreational activities.

Scott was a very sincere and principled person, expressing himself in a rather direct manner. However, if you were his friend, you could always count on him. He had a subtle sense of humor and told everyone that his mother and sister were placed on this earth for his amusement.

Scott is survived by his mother, Jane Van Valkenburg of Lander, Wyoming; a brother Stuwert Johnson, Ogden, Utah and a sister, Laurie Winters (Greg) of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and uncle, Howard Van Valkenburg of Rock Springs, Wyoming, and aunt Mary Koritnik (Joseph) of Cheyenne, Wyoming and numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, maternal grandmother and several uncles and aunts, including his favorites, Aunt Eva and Uncle Bill.

Cremation has taken place ad family services will be conducted later this year when his ashes will be scattered over one of his favorite places in the Red Desert.

Learn more about Scott on the Van Valkenburg Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/vanvalkenburgfamilyhistory/families/johnson/scott-johnson.

Obituary - Margaret Farmer Firmage Williamson

Mrs. Margaret Williamson nee Mrs. William Firmage, quietly slept away at the home of her son, Mr. John Firmage, on Fourth street, on last Friday morning, aged 72 years.

The funeral took place on July 1st from the Mormon church where appropriate services were held, Mr. W.B. Rae being the principal speaker on this mournful occasion.

Every seat in the church was occupied and many mourners followed the remains to their last resting places.

The sands of life had well run down and the end came peacefully after a lingering illness. For many years she was a sufferer from acute rheumatism.

Her maiden name was Margaret Farmer, a farmer’s daughter, and was born at Sellar Dyke, Fifeshire. When William, her oldest son, was 17 years old, her husband died leaving her with a family of five to raise. She went to the work and by laboring night and day she educated them and brought them all to manhood and womanhood. Four survive her, Mr. Wm. Firmage, Mr. John Firmage, Mrs. John McBride, all of Rock Springs, and Mr. James Firmage, now living on a farm in Minnesota. One daughter died in Dundee, Scotland, leaving three children.

The deceased has several brothers in Scotland, veterans of the Crimean war. Up to the time she crossed the Atlantic, seventeen years ago, she was an exceptionally strong woman, but as soon as she arrived in Utah she was attacked by rheumatism and she became a martyr to it up to her death.

She married a second time to Mr. Williamson, but there was no issue, and for several years her sons and daughters were her support. The deceased lived an upright Christian life; a life of usefulness; one of love and duty to her family. Now she is at rest and may she sleep in peace.

--Rock Springs Miner no. 28 July 06, 1899

Learn more about Margaret on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/farmer/margaret-farmer.

Obituary - Thomas Unsworth Cook

THOMAS COOK

OGDEN, Utah—Graveside services for Thomas U. Cook were conducted Saturday, March 28, at Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch. Father Francs Winder of the Episcopal Church officiated. The Unity Lodge No. 18 AF and AM also officiated.

Cook, 79, died March 25 at his home in Ogden of a heart attack.

He was born Nov. 30, 1907 in Rock Springs, a son of Edward and Ellen Unsworth Cook. He married Dorothy S. Horn on Sept. 12, 1932 in Salt Lake City.

He lived in Rock Springs, Salt Lake City, Pocatello, Idaho and in the Ogden area since 1955.

He was educated in Rock Springs schools and was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Ogden. He was a member of the Unity Lodge No. 18 AF and AM.

He was a salesman for the Sears and Roebuck Co., retiring July 31, 1972.

Survivors include his widow of Ogden; two sons, Thomas R. Cook of Mesa, Ariz., and Robert E. Cook of Ogden; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; one brother, Harold Cook at San Diego and one sister, Mrs. Dolly Brown of Rock Springs.

--Rock Springs Daily Rocket-Miner, Apr 4, 1987

Learn more about Thomas on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/cook/thomas-unsworth-cook.

Obituary - Ellen Unsworth Cook Auld

MRS. ELLEN AULD DIES IN HOSPITAL FRIDAY AFTERNOON

Mrs. Ellen Auld, 77, a Rock Springs resident for the last 48 years died in Sweetwater Memorial hospital Friday at 1:40 p.m. She had made her home at 1205 Elk Street.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. in the LDS church with Bishop James Barnes officiating. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery.

Mrs. Auld was born May 5, 1876 in Leigh, Lancashire, England. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. John Firmage and Mrs. David Brown, Jr., both of Rock Springs, and Mrs. William Faddis of Kemmerer; and three sons, Arthur and Harold Cook of Rock Springs and Thomas Cook of Pocatello, Idaho.

Learn more about Ellen on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/unsworth/ellen-unsworth.

Obituary - Gary Lee McPhie

CASPER - Visitation and greeting of the family of Casper resident Gary Lee McPhie, 62, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. today, Sept. 9, at Bustard's Funeral Home and Crematory. Another visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12, at Lindquist Funeral Home in Ogden, Utah. Interment will be in North Ogden Cemetery.

He died Sept. 6, 2005, in Casper. Born July 8, 1943, in Rock Springs, the son of Janet (Firmage) and Edward George McPhie; and was raised and educated in Rock Springs and Pinedale.

On Oct. 15, 1982, he married Norine Dickemore in Farr West, Utah. They moved to Casper in 1987. He was employed by Interstate Brand/Sweetheart Bakery. His interests included sports, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 22 years; two daughters, Lorey and Kay of Ogden; son, Gary Jr., of Casper; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Learn more about Gary Lee McPhie on the Firmage Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/firmagefamilyhistory/families/mcphie/gary-lee-mcphie.