Hank Rothwell
August 26, 1947 - November 3, 2017
I am writing this Obituary so someone I love doesn't need to fret over what to say. I was born in Chicago in 1947 while my father was finishing medical school, but was raised the rest of my life in Salt Lake. I died Nov 3, 2017 in an accident while riding my horse.
I had a wonderful and exciting life filled with love and friendship. A product of the local public school system, I then attended the University of Utah getting a Major in Business and a Minor in Beta Thea Pi. To the surprise of many, I graduated in 1965.
A career in business followed my time in school and was lucky enough to enjoy business relationships with many of Utah's best. A decade spent working with Ellis Ivory and then a decade partnered with C. Patrick Bates and Howard Kent. This was followed by another couple of decades working in the Park City real estate market. The highlight of the Park City experience was 12 years leading United Park City Mines land development efforts.
I was married in 1972 to the love of my life, Midge Bernolfo. I was Midge's wing man and we raised two talented children, Dylan and Ashley – both entrepreneurs and wonderful parents in their own right. During our years together Midge and I enjoyed much of what our Western outdoors has to offer. In early years we were very active fly fishing in all parts of the West and bird hunting, mostly on the Great Salt Lake marshes. This was followed by an invigorating period of our life when we enjoyed Mountain Climbing from the Tetons, to Alaska, and even Nepal. Midge was always the inspiration for these adventures and I was always lucky to have such a great partner. More recently Midge returned to her roots and got involved with horses, and I was soon to follow. We spent a decade riding Arabian horses over wild areas of the West doing competition Endurance riding. That was followed by a number of years jumping horses in the sport of Three Day Eventing.
During my early business years I was lucky enough to help the Sisters of the Holy Cross with fund raising efforts and later spent time on the Board of Directors of the Holy Cross Hospital. During the same period I served on the Board of Directors of Western Savings and Loan and Crossland Savings. While working in Park City I got involved with the Park City Chamber of Commerce and spent a tour as the Organization's President. I was also on the Board of Directors of the USEA helping overseas the Endowment Trust for future equestrian riders.
My most valued life experience was that of husband/partner with Midge, father to Dylan and Ashley, father in law to Erin and Mark, and Grandfather to Winter, Fisher, Wylie, Finn and Liam. I am survived by my brother, Dave and my sister, Anne.
I leave behind a full life and cherished Family and Friends. Please have a drink for me !
A farewell for family and friends will be held on Thursday, November 9 at 10:00 AM at my grave at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 E 500 S, Salt Lake City.
If you feel the need to do something, please send a donation to your favorite charity.
In Loving Memory
OMG what a shock, words cannot express our sorrow and devastation. Midge, Dylan and Ashley are thoughts and prayers are with you, we are stone through across the stream, please don't hesitate to let us help. Byron & Deborah
Byron & Deborah Barkley
Holladay, Ut
We are so sorry to hear of Hank's passing. He was a wonderful and kind man. He was so supportive of me as a ski coach and later as a real estate agent. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you. Regards. Dick/Gaye Stoner
Dick/Gaye Stoner
Coalville, Ut
It is with very heavy hearts that we send our sorrow, sympathy, and love to all of you, Midge and family. What a fine man Hank was! He represented the best there is as a gentle man, a friend, a very kind soul. Our lives are enriched for having known him. Sending strength to you and much love in the days ahead.
Phil and Lucinda Wagner
Morgan, UT
Midge, Kif let me know. I'm so grateful to have shared our mountain adventures together. Thinking of you and remembering Hank as a competent, caring and compassionate man.
Phil Ershler
Kirkland, WA
Dear Midge, I am so sorry for your loss. My love to you and your family. Debbie
Debbie Rosen
Calabasas, CA
Midge, we are so sorry. Hank will be horribly missed at all the shows. I hope we will still be able to see you. Our thoughts and love are with you.
Barb and Martin Crabo
Scottsdale, AZ
I am so sorry to hear of Hanks passing. I met you guys when you loaned one of our clients your horse. You were so kind and I loved to talk to you about the many climbing adventures you had done. Thoughts and prayers are with you, Ellie
Ellie Broomhead
Santa Barbara, CA
I am so sad to hear of Hanks passing. What an awesome soul he was. So many great memories. Prayers for you, Midge and your family. Hank will be missed by all.
Pam Nowell
Nisland, SD
Midge and children, We send our love and express our sadness to you and your children at this very sad time. We wish you peace and know that there will always be a smile when one thinks of Hank. John and Sandi Eberhardt
Sandi Eberharddt
Sandy, Ut
There they were Midge and Hank at a horse show of course. Hank at the time had an amazingly handsome Cleveland Bay horse and Midge was competing a grey I think. Well, what a fun weekend we had. While they weren't out riding and getting ready they were together Midge working some hand craft and Hank tending to their tack, trailer and truck. I had the pleasure of seeing them again a few more times over the years and admired their devotion to each other and to their horses and horse family. Midge I am sending my love and caring thoughts to you and yours and I hope one day to see you again. Much love. Kate
Kate Shepard
Lafayette, CO
Midge, My very best to you. Hank was one Hell of a nice guy and I know that you will persevere without Hank.I have very fond memories of Hank. He really was an outstanding fellow. I'm glad you two had such an excellent life together, Midge.
Mike Riser
Cottonwood Heights, UT
I am so sorry to hear of Han'k passing. He was such a great guy. He was so kind,caring and compassionate. Midge,Dylan, and Ashley, my thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be greatly missed, Susan
Susan Draayer
Salt Lake City, Ut
Dear Midge,Dylan,Ashley and family' I am so sorry to hear about Hanks death.Please know you have my deepest sympathies over this loss,and if there is anything I can do for any of you please call. Kerry
Kerry Armstong
Park City, Ut
Dear Midge, my heart goes out to you and your family hank was such a good man and to see you and hank taking care of your animals was something I will never forget. What a great couple you guys made and the joy you both brought to me every time I arrived with your road base will always be with me anything I can help you with I will do with you guys in my heart. Love Joe Trujillo & Family
Joe
Sandy, Ut
To all that were near and dear to Hank. We are all devastated to loose this wonderful, witty, kind and gregarious man. Life will never be the same without him, but I know you all will take solace from each other within the community that he created. Through this gesture a little bit of Hank will always be with you. With all my sympathy Mari
Mari Heybroek
Essex Jct, VT
Midge, Jack and I are shocked and saddened to hear of Hank's passing. You both were so much fun to clinic and show with. What great attitudes you both had at the events. Jack met Hank in Real Estate in 1979. Hank was a well respected and kind man. We are so sorry for you and your family. Our prayers go out to you. Diane & Jack
Jack & Diane
Sun city, Az
Dear Midge, We haven't seen either of you for many years but we have thought of you and Hank often. He was such a great Beta Brother and his loss is such a shock. We feel bad we haven't stayed in contact. Our thoughts are with you as you move forward. You have great children to help. The memorial was so perfect! Hope our paths will cross, we'd love to see you.
Jim and Carol Warburton
Salt Lake City, Ut