Ralph Hayward Barlow

Ralph Hayward Barlow, 75, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 22, 2026, at his home of 32 years, surrounded by loved ones, following complications from a stroke.

Ralph was born on February 11, 1951, in Logan, Utah, to Kingsley and Mable Collins Barlow. He was the second of three children. During his youth, the family moved to California, where his father accepted a teaching position. Ralph attended Rubidoux High School in Riverside, California, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He played football and baseball, was a state champion swimmer, and served as student body president.

In his late teenage years, Ralph joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and went on to serve multiple stake missions in California and Utah. He lived his testimony through quiet acts of service, kindness, and love for others throughout his life.

In 1970, he married Violet Mullis, in Riverside, California, and together they were blessed with five children. In 1983, Ralph met Cathy Millerd, who became his wife and lifelong companion. Together, they were also blessed with three children.

Ralph had a remarkable mechanical mind and was always tinkering with cars. He learned to modify his tools so they could reach tight places or handle any situation when the right tool wasn’t available. He opened his own repair shop, Barlow’s Dixie Bugs, better known as “The Bug Hut”, a name inspired by the Volkswagen Beetle he insisted on placing on the roof, making it a memorable local landmark, in St. George, Utah. He later moved to Laguna Hills, California, where he opened Barlow Automotive. In 1992, Ralph and Cathy returned to Utah to be closer to family, bringing Barlow Automotive with them to Bountiful and later Woods Cross, Utah. Ralph truly loved his clients and took great pride in helping others keep their vehicles running, often saying it was “cheaper than a new car payment.”

Known for his great sense of humor and playful spirit, Ralph brought laughter and joy wherever he went. He loved fun, enjoyed making others smile, and had a mischievous streak that kept family and friends rolling their eyes and laughing throughout his life.

Ralph had a lifelong passion for surfing and made monthly trips from Bountiful, Utah, to San Clemente, California, particularly to Old Man’s at San Onofre, where he found peace and joy in the ocean. He also loved spending time with his family, boating, fixing things around the house, BYU football, and was passionate about politics and health. He was also a musician who loved Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler, the Beatles, the Eagles, ABBA and loved learning to play their songs on his Guild electric guitar.

Ralph also had a special place in his heart for his beloved 1977 Oldsmobile station wagon, affectionately known as “Trigger,” a reflection of both his personality and his love for classic cars and Roy Rogers.

Above all, Ralph was a devoted and constant presence in the life of his son, Brian. He rarely went anywhere without him, whether to work, on trips to visit his older children in Wyoming, on his surfing excursions, or even simple outings for ice cream. Brian was always by his side. Ralph made sure he was comfortable and included in everything, even rigging up a VHS player in the back of Trigger so Brian could watch Scooby Doo during their many drives. Their bond was unwavering and a defining part of Ralph's life.

Happy trails to you till we meet again, Ralph!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Kingsley and Mable Barlow; his beloved grandson, Daniel Barlow; and his cherished dogs, Brutus and Mitch.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy; his children, Travis Barlow, Shayne Barlow, Holly Engle, Crystal (C. Clint) Grady, Brooke (Patrick) Hess, Brian Barlow, Katie (Scott) Hotard, and Christine (Fielding) Olsen; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Kerry (Larry) Henson and Virginia “Cookie” (Ken) Weekley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist Mortuary in Bountiful, Utah. Interment will follow at Bountiful City Cemetery.

Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistsmortuary.com