Ronald Haun Obituary

Ronald Earl Haun -1943 - 2025

St. George, UT-Ronald Haun, 82, passed away in his home in Saint George following a year-long battle with brain cancer. Ron was born on April 14, 1943, to Earl and Ruth Haun in Murray, Utah. On Valentine's Day of 1969 he married Beverly North Haun in the Salt Lake City temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Growing up in Murray, Ron discovered a passion and talent for athletics earning him the nickname Rifle Arm Ronnie as Murray High School's quarterback. Following his graduation, he served in the Army Reserves before pursuing higher education at Dixie State College (now Utah Tech University) and Weber State College, and eventually Brigham Young University where he earned his master's and served as Graduate Assistant Football Coach. His professional career began coaching tennis, basketball and football at Skyline High School in Salt Lake City before returning to his roots to serve as the Head Football coach of Murray High School, leading them to two state championship titles. His career eventually evolved from high school to collegiate athletics where he coached at Weber State as the Offensive Coordinator (2005) and as Dixie State College's Head Coach (2006 – 2009). Most notably, he served as the Head Coach of the Ricks College football team from 1982 until the school ended inter-collegiate athletics in 2001. In his 19 years at Ricks' helm, he stacked up an impressive 178–40–2 record,10 bowl game wins and 8 conference championships as well as several National Academic Championships. He received multiple Coach of the Year awards, was recognized as the Most Winningest Active NJCAA Coach, and was inducted in the NJCAA Football Hall of Fame (2002) and the Utah Sports Hall of Fame (2018).

Coach was not just about football. When he was not pacing the sidelines or breaking down game film, Coach enjoyed the outdoors, especially rowing and fishing the rivers of southeast Idaho --- some outings resulting in legendary adventures. Coach had a deep love for his family, his faith, his coaches and his players.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beverly Haun; and their children: Luke Haun and Lisa Haun (daughter-in-law) and granddaughter, Nasyah Haun of Pheonix, Arizona, Trent Haun of Salt Lake City, Utah and Rebecca Haun Savidis and Justin Savidis (son-in-law) of Willow, Alaska; his brother H.L. "Pete" Haun and Judy Haun (sister-in-law) of Draper, Utah; and his sister Clella Smith of Midvale, Utah.

The family wishes to thank donors of the GoFundMe campaign established to offset medical costs as well as the coaches, players and friends who called and visited since Coach Haun's diagnosis up to and following his passing.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Metcalf Mortuary Chapel, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. Viewings will be held Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, prior to services, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. both at the Mortuary.

Graveside services will be held Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Midway City Cemetery, 600 West 500 South, Midway, Utah.

Live streaming webcast is available at www.metcalfmortuary.com by clicking on the obituary, then click on broadcast at the bottom. The webcast will remain on-line for 90 days.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Please visit our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences, complete obituary, and funeral listings.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune, The Salt Lake Tribune from May 8 to May 11, 2025.