Feb. 19, 1932-Oct. 21, 2022
The world lost a great man on Oct. 21, 2022, at the age of 90. Harry Earl Brockmeier Jr. was born Feb. 19, 1932, in Cedar City, Utah, to Harry Earl Brockmeier Sr. and Catherine Agnes Littlefield. He was raised in Zion National Park.
He attended Hurricane High School where he was quite accomplished in sports playing football, basketball, track and baseball where he earned the nick name “Home Run Harry.” He was a member of the 1949 state champion football team.
When he was 14, he started working in the kitchen at the Zion Lodge. While in high school he was offered a job with Standard Oil Company where he worked in Zion National Park, St. George, Bryce Canyon and Beaver, Utah.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in spring 1953. He received his infantry training in Fort Ord, California, and was stationed in Korea during the Korean War. After completing his active duty he received an Honorable Discharge.
He returned to Cedar City where he met Phyllis Gale at Bullock Drug and later married.
His career with Standard Oil, took them to Ely Nevada, Burley, Idaho, and finally Salt Lake City, where they planted their roots and settled in. He owned the Chevron Station on 600 South in Salt Lake for many years.
Harry loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, swimming, fishing and golfing. He was a devout fan of the Utah Jazz, BYU sports and the Colorado Rockies baseball team. His hero was John Wayne, whom he personally met and had breakfast with at Dick’s Café in St. George.
He coached youth basketball, baseball and softball. In fact, he developed and worked to create the first baseball field in Springdale, Utah, where he also coached the young team. He was the president and Phyllis was the treasurer of the Girls Bonnet Ball Softball League.
Harry was the most patriotic man we knew. He flew his flag every single day. A highlight of his life was experiencing the Veterans Utah Honor Flight Mission in 2017 at the nation’s capital in Washington DC.
The fondest memories were made at their cabin at Fairview Lakes. Friends, family and cabin community all came together to BBQ, relax, fish, hunt, hike and share stories.
Harry was quite a character with his quick wit. We would laugh at his made-up songs and sit for hours listening to his stories. To family and friends he gave nicknames like Twink, Timothy Aloysius, Abernathy, Matilda, B, Straight Arrow, Brook and Slick. He was so kind and giving and would help anyone at any time day or night, without hesitation.
Harry and Phyllis came home to southern Utah in 2001, when they moved back to St. George. It brought them closer to their extended family.
He is survived by his brother Greg; children: Debbie (Derk, deceased) Boren, Connie (Gregg) McGregor, Jerry (Juli) Brockmeier, Sharon (Greg) Bishop; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, his parents, two brothers, one sister and a son-in-law.
A viewing will be hosted by Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, from 6-8 p.m. We invite you to wear your favorite sports shirt and jeans.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, at 1 p.m. in the Cedar City Cemetery, 685 N. Main St.
Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.