Harold J. Trussel, a compassionate, courageous, humble and funny man, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 20, 2023, at the age of 86. He had suffered a stroke in September of 2022. Born on July 4, 1936, in Montpelier, Idaho, Harold spent the majority of his life in Sandy, Utah, touching countless lives as an educator, devoted family man, and hobbyist. Known affectionately as "King Harold the Great, the Wise, the Wonderful, the Handsome, and the Humble", he will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to helping others and his infectious love of life.
A man of many talents, Harold's career started as an English Teacher, and then Secondary School administration, where he was Principal at many Salt Lake Secondary and High Schools, including West High, and East High. His time as a high school principal was marked by numerous awards and accolades, including Utah Principal of the Year by the US Dept. of Education, (visiting the White House where he was recognized by George W. Bush), the West High School Excellence Award, and being named "Best High School Principal" by Utah Holiday Magazine and the State PTA. He finished his career as Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum for the Salt Lake CIty School District.
His passion for education extended beyond the classroom, as he also dedicated his time and energy to serving his community and his Church.
He coached his son's little league baseball teams, and loved to camp and fish. His two favorite hobbies were gardening in the back yard with extensive flower beds and roses, and model train railroads which he'd been infatuated with since he was a little boy. He had an entire room in his house dedicated to a mountain village with numerous model trains and mountain ranges and city scenes that he'd built from the ground up.
Harold was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His commitment to his faith led him to serve a 2 1/2 year mission in Frieberg, Germany, and he held various callings within the Church throughout his life. Most notably, he served for six years as a Bishop at the Utah State prison, providing support, education, and guidance to those in need. Harold's devotion to his family was unwavering, and he cherished spending time with his wife, Vilate, their children, and their many grandchildren.
Harold had a deep love of music. He played the clarinet in his High School band, and taught himself to play the piano, organ, harmonica, and accordion. He enjoyed a diverse range of genres, from country to religious to classical to Bavarian yodeling.
Harold is survived by his wife, Vilate Gardner Trussel; his two sons, Reed (Amber) , Bryan (Kristin), and his daughter Allison Trussel; and his nine grandchildren, Chase, Chelsey (Seth), Kailey (Josh), Ashlyn, Chris, Mckenna, Jon (Kylie) Macey (Tanner) and Sam. And his siblings, Lucille, Shirley, Robert “Bobby” and Gilbert. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Wanda Trussel; and his siblings, Carl and Gloria.
Public viewings for Harold will be held on: --- Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 6:00 pm MDT at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 1007 South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah, 84095, and on --- Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 10:00 am MDT at Silver Mesa Ward, 8945 South 1700 East, Sandy, Utah, 84093.
The funeral service will take place on: --- Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 11:00 am MDT at Silver Mesa Ward, with a live stream available at https://jenkins-soffe.com/obituaries/harold-trussel.