April 23, 1930-March 31, 2024
On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, our amazing father, William Barney Gogarty, passed through the veil and joined his beloved wife, Lois G. Gogarty. As a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, it was fitting that he passed on this sacred day. He received his “firm testimony of the Lord, Jesus Christ” when he studied the four gospels and book of Psalms (Bible) during the summer of 1950 while training for the Army in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
He was born in Provo, Utah, on April 23, 1930, during the Great Depression to William Bernard Gogarty and Zola Walker Gogarty. He grew up in Springville, Utah, and enjoyed exploring and fishing in the Uinta Mountains nearby. Later, he shared this love with his two sons. He loved nature and appreciated all of God’s creations throughout his life. He loved to explore new places and was privileged to travel much of the world, alongside his wife.
Barney and Lois were married for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on Dec. 14, 1951. They had been married for 64 years when Lois passed away. They are once again united after their eight-year separation. They enjoyed a lifetime together of love, friendship, church service and learning. They raised five children: Laura Gogarty Klaversma (David), Colleen Gogarty DiMario (Sal), Shaun Gogarty (Gloria), Kathlyn Gogarty-Baines (Dix) and Michael Gogarty (Nides). He leaves behind a large family including his children, their spouses, 19 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.
Barney received both his Bachelor of Science and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Utah. He worked as a professor of chemistry and elementary engineering at Westminster College. He began working for Marathon Oil Company in 1959 as a research scientist. During his professional career, he was recognized with numerous awards, as well as holding 57 patents and 80 foreign patents.
He loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and served valiantly throughout his life as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He touched many lives as he served and loved the people he served. Prior to the day Dad passed, numerous friends came to say goodbye. One sat by his bed and said, “That Barney made everyone feel that they were his best friend.” He was and is well loved and will be missed by all who he touched, as he journeyed through his life.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 25, at 1 p.m. in the Southgate 2nd Ward Chapel, 1068 West Chandler Drive, St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held Thursday, prior to services, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the church.
Graveside services will be held Friday, April 26, at 1 p.m. in the Evergreen Cemetery, 1997 South 400 East, Springville, Utah.
Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Click here to visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.