Harry Bernell Watkins

Harry Bernell Watkins, age 91, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, at his home in Millcreek, Utah. Born January 22, 1935, in Rolapp, Utah, to Bernell Watkins and Edna Latturner, Harry grew up in Price, where he was a standout athlete in football and track for Carbon High School.

Following graduation, Harry joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War. It was during his service that he discovered his lifelong vocation, surveying for the Air Force during the construction of Beale Air Force Base in California. After an honorable discharge, he attended Brigham Young University, sparking a devotion to BYU sports that lasted until his final days.

On July 6, 1963, Harry eloped with Judith Karen Summers to Elko, Nevada, after being set up by a mutual friend. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on their second anniversary. Together, they raised three sons: Jeffrey, Jason, and Justin.

Harry’s professional career was spent surveying electrical transmission lines across the Intermountain West for Utah Power and Light. While his coworkers spent their evenings at local bars, Harry could be found exploring the wilderness and fishing the local rivers. In his younger years, he was a fixture of the Salt Lake social scene; known as “Harry the Fox” for his red hair and smooth footwork, he often joked that he was such a good dancer that the women would line up to ask him.

His need for speed was equally legendary. Harry’s love for sports cars, including Alfa Romeos and MGs, resulted in so many tickets he famously lost his license. He eventually learned to pull over at the Carbon County line to let a passenger drive, knowing the local police were always lying in wait.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Harry served in many callings, including the Branch Presidency at Wellington Assisted Living & Woodland Care Center. He was a mentor to many, known as the "cool Dad" who took his sons and the neighborhood boys hunting and fishing every weekend. On Sunday evenings, he reigned over the neighborhood basketball court, often closing out games with an unblockable hook shot. He was a dedicated Scouter and never missed a camp, especially when his boys were involved.

A true outdoorsman and skilled mechanic, Harry’s legacy is physically built into the family cabin he constructed with his sons—his favorite place on earth. He ran five days a week into his mid-80s and spent his retirement fishing in Montana and cheering on his grandchildren at every ballgame and lacrosse match. He also leaves behind a legacy of love for his dogs, particularly his English Cocker and Springer Spaniels. He often joked that when his time came, he’d simply fall into a river and turn into a German Brown Trout.

Harry is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Jeff (Joan), Jason (Jenn), and Justin; five grandchildren, Nathan (Lauren), Landon (Eliza), Brennan (Alliyah), Ashley (Tyler), and Jase (Charli); and three great-grandchildren, Nils, Ruby, and Boston. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Cherie Greenwood and Dennis Watkins.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State St., Midvale, UT. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the Ovid Cemetery in Ovid, Idaho. The family expresses their deepest gratitude to Suncrest Hospice for their compassionate care.