Ralph Vaughn Goff

Ralph Vaughn Goff 80 years old Died at home in St. George, Utah after a long battle with lung complications. Ralph was born July 22, 1933 in Park City, Utah to Violet Mae Fausett Goff and Layton Vaughn Goff. He married Sadie E. Barnwell January 2, 1973 and the marriage was later solemnized in the St. George Temple January 2, 2003. He attended school in Park City. He entered into the service, US Army, January 10, 1951 at Fort Douglas, Utah at the age of 17. His mother signed for him to join the service since he was underage. He was a member of the Military Police for a short time learning quickly to be a leader. During most of his military service he was asked to be the leader of the groups that he was involved with and garnered the respect of the other men. He earned the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal and was Honorably Discharged January 5, 1954. He became an underground miner after being released from the military working in most of the western states and also because of his expertise as an underground miner he worked creating the underground subway system in Washington D.C. Using his knowledge of underground mining Ralph worked at the Nevada Test Site where the nuclear bombs were exploded underground. After each event his team would be given the all clear by the radiation experts to go back in and dig out the site again for testing. He was a proud lifelong member of the Laborers Local 872 Union. He loved his work with the horses in Grants, New Mexico even considering changing profession to be a veterinarian. His life though was filled with the joy of family. His was born into a large family consisting of 11 siblings, 6 sisters and 5 brothers where Ralph was right in middle as number 6. His enjoyment with his brothers and sisters took them to many places to work as family. This was a blessing to his children as they were able to grow up and develop their lifelong love of their cousins. He enjoyed collecting coins and one of his great joys was attending the BYU football games from many years as a season ticket holder. His dedication to going to games took him and grandma to many snow filled stadium. When he could no longer attend the games personally he loved to discuss them with his children and grandchildren. Able to retire early on in life he has been able enjoy his family which includes, sons; Ralph (Colleen), Rick (Sherrie) and Maynard (Diana) Goff, daughters Sadie (Andy) McVicars, Ranae Goff (Melissa) and Laurie (Mike) Norlander. Sisters: Geri (Ace) Vest, Betty (Jerry) Perkins, Evelyn (Jim )Yates; Brothers: Arthur (Cassie) Goff, Robert (Linda) Goff, Ronald (Mary) Goff. Preceding him in death are his parents and sisters: Billie Hackwell, Donna Mae (Robert) Langford, Layton (Joy) Goff, Maynard (Sadie) Goff. He leaves behind 17 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the McGill Ward Chapel on March 3, 2014. Viewing at 11:00 am (NV) time with funeral services to follow at 1:00 pm (NV). Interment will be at the Ely City Cemetery following the services. Friends and family are invited to share condolences online at www.SerenieCareofStGeorge.com

Ralph Vaughn Goff

July 22, 1933 - February 27, 2014