Panguitch Posts October 2022

This is an old news article. The events in this article happened in Panguitch in October 2022.

You know how sometimes the seasons just seem to merge, one gradually into the next, and you hardly even notice the change? Well, winter wanted to make sure we knew it had arrived without question.

Snow in October?

It seemed we were enjoying some beautiful fall, Indian Summer weather and POW! There was a sudden dip in the temperature and Sunday morning we woke up to a beautiful winter wonderland with snow blanketing the trees, homes, cars and everything else that was not covered.

I really don’t remember a more beautiful drive to the stake center to attend a stake conference! And, of course, all of us in the area always appreciate whatever moisture we receive regardless of the inconvenience it sometimes presents. Saturday’s heavy rain just meant we needed to go a little slower coming home from the meeting in Circleville.

Elder Hamilton Teaches Family History

Speaking of stake conference, we really enjoyed the general authority that was assigned to visit our stake, Elder Kevin Hamilton. He is directing the Family History program and gave some astounding statistics of just how big this program really is and how it is spreading throughout the world. Family Search has really caught on with people wanting to search out their roots and find out about their ancestors!

It was good to get back to the temple last week following its closure for cleaning and maintenance the prior two weeks. We are so blessed to have a temple so close that makes it easier to make time to attend. Hopefully we all try to make it a priority.

Locals Who Have Passed On

Max Sevy

We have lost a couple more of our “good old” hometown boys. Max Sevy was one of those people who, if you met him, you didn’t forget him! He was born and raised here in Panguitch, married a local-Garfield County girl, Loa, enjoyed a successful career in California then moved back home to share his stories and his little one-liners about his life’s experiences. 

He and Loa delighted children in the area as they transformed into Santa and Mrs. Claus at Christmas time for many years. We will miss Max! Loa passed away several years ago. Their five children are left to carry on their great legacy.

Don Marshall

Just this week I heard of the passing of Don Marshall, the youngest of the seven children of Earl and Eva Marshall. Don was destined to be someone special pretty much from his early childhood. He was a talented writer and composed many pieces of music for different occasions all throughout his life. 

Wherever Don went, he seemed to make a difference with his influence. He served a mission in Tahiti where he came to love the people, the language and the beautiful islands. I remember seeing one of his postcards in my parents’ old picture drawer with him holding a ukulele and with a lei around his neck. He is one of many who I feel “put Panguitch on the map” as he spread his talents and influence wherever he went.

Claude Hatch

Another Panguitch resident, Claude Hatch, recently passed away. Claude has lived in Panguitch most of his life and in recent years, because of ill health, moved to California to live with his daughter and son-in-law, Justin and Ann. His wife, the former Suzann Barney, passed away a few years ago. Claude was a member of the “famous” class of ’57 and was on the championship basketball team that year that was coached by Val Church. He excelled in athletics and worked hard at various jobs he held throughout his life. He has been a farmer/cattle rancher most of his life. We will miss seeing him out in his corrals on our rides down the River Lane.

Gene Collette

We also got word of the passing of Gene Collette. Gene was the husband of Bernice Collette and they lived on River Lane. Gene and Bernice have lived in Panguitch for quite some time and we have all enjoyed their association. He has been sick for quite some time but it will still be difficult for Bernice without him.

Panguitch’s Biggest Fans

Another good old Panguitch-ite will be celebrating his 80th birthday the first part of November: Kay Richards! Kay is another person who, although he lives in the Salt Lake area, still claims Panguitch as his home. 

He still attends most every PHS athletic state event and comes home for many of the funerals and area special occasions. He is still one of Panguitch’s biggest fans. His family is hosting a celebration in Salt Lake in his honor on November 5. Happy Birthday, Kay!

Bryce Harper’s Philadelphia Phillies have made it to play in the World Series! Bryce is one of our family’s heroes! He is an awesome baseball player and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was chosen as the MVP of the National League Championship series. The Phillies will go head-to-head with the Houston Astros for the World Series championship with games starting this week.

Gathering Cattle

It is that time of year for gathering of cattle from their summer ranges to move to their warmer winter ranges. Many of our area ranchers have been busy bringing in their cattle and preparing the calves to be shipped out. 

Kevin Heaton and family will be moving 800 head from Alton to the Arizona Strip where the cattle will be separated into different pastures for the winter months. This will take them three to four days! 

Dallas Clark and family are also rounding up the last of their herd to transport them onto their winter range. The life of a cowboy is not a relaxing, laid back life — that’s for sure!

High School Events

Panguitch High and Middle Schools will present their play, “You’re a good man, Charlie Brown,” this week. The performances will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday through Saturday, November 2-5. It should be a fun event to attend! Plan to be there. The kids have been practicing long and hard.

State cross country came to a close last weekend with the state meet being held in Salt Lake at the Rose Park complex. Our 1A teams faced some rainy weather but, nonetheless, had great support from family and fans. 

Again, we who watch these races have a deep appreciation for the time and efforts that these kids and their coaches put forth to participate in cross country! It is a sport that actually helps condition its participants for other sports they will take part in. Thank you to Panguitch coaches Danny Yardley, Brooke Yardley, and Megan Albrecht and to assistant coaches Frank Houston and Troy Norris and to bus driver Jake Schoppe who give countless hours to help the youth at PHS discover their talents and offer ways to help the kids achieve and reach their potential!

State volleyball playoffs are taking place as I am writing this article, October 29, 2022. Thus, we will have to report on the results another time. But, hopefully our Bobcats will perform well and finish strong. They have been fun to watch this year and have the capacity and depth to do really well. Go Bobcats!

A Successful Deer Hunt

Hopefully all you deer hunters have had a successful hunt! I define “successful” to be if you have enjoyed getting out in the mountains and seeing close-up the beautiful place we live. 

It’s not always about bagging a deer; it’s about the time spent in the great out-of-doors with people we love, making memories and telling stories about years past and maybe, just maybe, being able to cook up some crispy Dutch oven mutton and potatoes and bacon and some tasty sourdough biscuits. This is what I would call a successful deer hunt.

Bring on November and Thanksgiving and, of course, basketball and wrestling!

– by Pam Yardley

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Read the most recent Panguitch happenings in Panguitch Posts January 2023.