GRAND MARSHALS

Alpine has come a long way from the dugouts of the first residents on Cemetery Hill. We treasure those pioneers who worked together and built this mountain community. We value those who carry on the tradition of working together, caring for each other, and seeing and filling needs.

The Alpines we honor as Grand Marshals have given to our community again and again; people who regard each other as family and Alpine Days, still as homecoming. They are truly some of Alpine’s treasures.

 

Previous Grand Marshals

2023 Grand Marshals - Ramon & Julie Beck

Both Ramon and Julie Beck descend from original Alpine settlers dating back to the early 1850’s. Their parents, June and J. Paul Beck and William Grant and Geraldine Bangerter were their examples of leadership and participation in the close-knit Alpine society. During the summer of 1973 Julie and Ramon met in their Sunday School class; they were married in December of that year and made their home in Alpine. It was in Alpine that they raised their three children; Gerilyn, Joseph and Heidi. Together they participated in community experiences in education, drama, music, Church, and service.

When Julie was 4 years old, her family moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil where for five years she was immersed in mission life, school, culture, and language. Ramon benefited from growing up in the unique rural life of by-gone Alpine times; hunting, playing sports, and helping with the farm and other chores.

Both Ramon and Julie graduated from American Fork High School; Ramon played basketball, football and accompanied the High School Choir. Julie joined the drill team, school choir and orchestra. Following high school Ramon served in the Italian Mission and Julie attended and graduated from Dixie College after which they both graduated from Brigham Young University. Their family culture has been centered around happy home life. music, church, and community service. Ramon has accompanied church congregations and choirs for decades. Julie and all the Beck children have taught dozens of Alpine youth in their private piano studio, participating in local music teachers’ associations and events.

Along with busy community involvement, Ramon served for over 25 years as a Chief Warrant Officer in the Utah National Guard as an Italian language specialist, interpreter, and Intelligence officer. He had many great experiences traveling to Italy and other military assignments during those years. He also served as an Alpine City Councilman for two and a half terms.

Both Ramon and Julie have been abundantly blessed from teaching and leading in various Church responsibilities; fulfilling assignments in Scouting, various presidencies, Missionary Training Center and serving as Bishop. New adventures world-wide began when Julie was called as a General Officer in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; first as a member of the Young Women General Board and Presidency, then as Relief Society General President. As President, she assisted on a number of Church committees including Church Welfare and Church Education. Following her release from those opportunities she began over a decade of service in Higher Education with Brigham Young University
and assignments from the Governor of Utah, recently completing a term on the Board of Higher Education.

Ramon and Julie enjoy riding in the mountains and foothills in their Jeep, traveling with their family and hosting their eighteen grandchildren.

2022 Grand Marshals - Ronald & Kathleen Rasmussen

Ronald Wesley and Kathleen Moyle Rasmussen have proudly called Alpine home for 56 years. Growing up in Alpine and being a direct descendant of one of its founders, John Rowe Moyle, Kathleen had strong roots and feelings for her hometown and knew Alpine was where she wanted to raise a family.

Ron grew up in Lehi and came from hard-working pioneer stock also, so the union of Ron and Kathy was a natural. They were married on July 7th, 1961. In 1966 while living in Salt Lake, they determined the time was right to move, so their hearts led them back to Alpine.

All that love and hard work were built and nurtured in the same house they live in today. Having seven children, a strong work ethic, and devotion to their small town, led them to years of community service. They believed then and still believe that a community is everyone’s responsibility, so they dug into everything from numerous church callings, to helping with the Alpine Days activities, to fundraising drives and many other worthwhile endeavors.

In the early 80s, soccer came to Alpine, and Ron and Kathy wasted no time jumping in to help build the growing sport for the community. They started coaching their children’s teams, but the new league needed help in many areas. Seeing the need, they became certified referees and spent hours on field preparation and continued coaching. Ron became the League President, and Kathy went on to coach a 14/15 all-girls competition team.

In 1982, Ron ran for Alpine City Council. He was elected and served on the council from 1982 – 1986. After his first term as a councilman, he made a successful run for Mayor of Alpine and served from 1986 to 1990. During those years, Alpine did not have a city administrator or an engineer, so those responsibilities were overseen by the mayor. What was supposed to be a part-time commitment seemed like a full-time responsibility, but one that Kathleen and all the kids rallied around in support of Ron and the city they all loved.

With a growing family, Kathleen was always busy but chose to serve as a voting registrar for Alpine District 2 for over 15 years. As a former elementary school teacher, she understood the value of education and gladly served on the PTA board for many years as PTA president for Alpine Elementary. She continues to serve as a member of the Alpine Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.

Moyle Park did not always have a paid caretaker. Because of the family affiliation, Ron and Kathy were asked by the city to look after the park. When the city hired someone for the upkeep of the land, Kathy became a tour director for the park and home of John Rowe Moyle and took many schools and summer groups on those tours. Many friends, neighbors, and newcomers to the area were recipients of Kathy’s homemade bread.

Their love for Alpine and their friends and neighbors was always manifested by their willing and helping hands. Ron and Kathy taught their children to work hard, love where they live, and make it better by getting involved and serving. As a result, the whole Rasmussen family, all seven kids, and their spouses, along with 33 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, are filled with gratitude for this great honor given to their very deserving parents as the Grand Marshals.

2021 - Ken & Loretta Stevens

Ken and Loretta Stevens have been fortunate to live in Alpine most of their married life. They celebrate their 50th Anniversary this year! Loretta grew up in Alpine enjoying the beauty and freedom of a small town filled with friends, relatives and endless adventures. Summer highlights were the Whitby Family 4th of July Party and Alpine Days, always the second Saturday in August. Her parents spared no effort in creating a family float and costumes for the parade.

Ken was born in Taber, Alberta, a wonderful prairie town filled with family and surrounded by endless farms. As soon as he could walk, he tagged along with his father through the fields, and loved spending time at his grandpa’s farm with its animals and a huge red barn. Ken’s family moved to Provo and later to Pleasant Grove. He played baseball for Pleasant Grove High and Snow College.

Ken and Loretta met at age 17 by the “tin house” at the very top of Mt. Timpanogos. That’s where the romance began! Ken served an LDS Mission in the Gulf States and Loretta finished high school and graduated from BYU with a degree in Elementary Education. 

They were married 4 years after they met, and built a home in Alpine. They are the parents of 4 wonderful children and have 14 grandchildren. Ken worked as a contractor for 40 years. He loves fly fishing and has hooked many others on the sport. Watching Utah Jazz games is another favorite activity. Loretta taught at Alpine Elementary for 20 years, loving every student! She enjoys hiking in the mountains and deserts of Utah and beach combing on the Oregon coast. They enjoy traveling together, taking roads new to them, and visiting places less traveled! They are always happy to return home to beautiful Alpine!

 

2020 - Steve & Vichie Birchall

“Alpine is a pretty little place,” sings the meadow lark according to Vickie Birchall. After visiting some friends in Alpine and getting snowed in, Steve and Vickie Birchall knew they found their home. Both from California and then students at BYU, they moved to Pineview Drive in the early 70’s, purchased three horses, and fell in love with the Alpine Mountains. 

Steve worked on the planning commission, served in bishoprics, and coached soccer in the community while Vickie worked as a lunch lady at Alpine Elementary, ran in every Alpine Days 10k winning many of them, and combed the hills on horses and on foot (if you have been on the Alpine trails, you have seen Vickie running). They both took gazillions of yw to girls camp and on hikes to Lake Hardy. Their five children (27 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren) learned to love nature, the “clean fresh air,” horses, mountains, hunting, good friends and neighbors, and God through their Alpine childhoods. Countless others were blessed by their love of horses as Vickie taught riding lessons until just recently. Steve, the tall dark handsome cowboy, and Vickie, known for her mouthwatering rolls and zest for life, love to share their love for Alpine with everyone they meet. 

Alpine has changed through the years, bringing thousands more, and they have embraced and welcomed all the good people drawn here. Steve and Vickie consider it a great honor to be the Grand Marshals of their beloved mountain home. Happy Alpine Days!

2019 - Lynn & Linda Higgins

 Linda entered military service on October 18, 1977 being assigned to the 19thSpecial Forces Group (Airborne), Utah Army National Guard. She was trained as a military analyst and being assigned to the 19thSF, Linda was required to attend the U. S. Army Airborne School where, after successful completion the first time through, she was awarded her army jump wings.  

Linda completed Army Officer Candidate School in 1980 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army Adjutant General Corp.  Linda later completed a second officer branch qualification in the Ordinance Branch in 1981of which she served in for the remainder of her career.

Linda’s military service includes assignments in Personnel Administration, as a Heavy Equipment Maintenance Control Officer, Executive Officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment , Utah State Headquarters Area Command, State Area Regional Command (STARC), Logistics Officer for Army Garrison Camp Williams, Utah, Comptroller for Headquarters Utah STARC, Training Officer Headquarters STARC and Training Officer and Operations Officer for the Utah Military Academy (UMA), UTARNG.

During Linda’s 28 years of service she Commanded the 115thHeavy Equipment Maintenance Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Utah STARC, 2ndBattalion, 140thGeneral Support Battalion, 97thTroop Command, and the 640thRegional Training Institute (RTI).  Linda served as the commander of the 128thPublic Affairs Detachment during its deployment in support of Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia.  

Linda is a graduate of the Adjutant General Officer Basic Course, the Ordinance Officer Advanced Course and the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College and has a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies from Columbia College.

Linda is the first non-Medical Service Corp female to rise to the rank of Colonel in the Utah Army National Guard.  Linda is also the first Utah Army National Guard soldier to wear the Army Maternity Uniform.

Lynn entered regular active duty for the U. S. Army five weeks after graduating from Provo High School in 1969.  Upon completion of Basic Combat Training and Warrant Officer Rotary Wing Aviator Training, he deployed to Vietnam where he was assigned to an Air Cavalry Troop as an Aero Scout pilot flying the OH-6A helicopter. 

At the completion of his Vietnam service, he was released from active duty and returned to Utah to continue his service part-time with the Utah Army National Guard while attending BYU.  Lynn was later hired full-time as a Flight Instructor for the National Guard, wherein he was instrumental in establishing the Attack Helicopter and Aero Scout programs and the 19th Special Forces Aviation program. During this time, Lynn was an instructor for rotary and fixed wing aircraft.  

In 1989 Lynn left the full-time Guard force but continued as a Standardization Instructor for the 1250th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) as a Traditional Guardsman.  He later instructed in the UH-60 A/L helicopter with A Company, 2-211th Aviation Battalion. Lynn went to work full-time for the Federal Aviation Administration as an Aviation Safety Inspector working with helicopter and airplane operators specializing in emergency medical operations, night vision goggle operations, Lear Jets, and all small general aviation aircraft.   

Though Lynn was a part-time soldier, he often took leave from his full-time job to fight wild land fires throughout the west, support a humanitarian mission in Nicaragua for five months, deploy to Louisiana to support hurricanes Katrina and Rita disaster relief, fly for numerous local support and training support missions, and deploy for 18 months as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he primarily planned and led night air assault missions against hostile forces. Upon return from Iraq, Lynn worked for the FAA for eight months until he was asked to return to full-time service with the National Guard as the Deputy State Army Aviation Officer and Standardization Officer on the Adjutant General’s staff.   Lynn served in this capacity until his mandatory retirement in 2010, and always “flew the line” until the very end.

Lynn currently serves as a volunteer Certified Peer Support Specialist at the Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs Medical Center as a member of the PTSD Clinical Team. Linda and Lynn are both volunteer Employer Outreach Coordinators for the Department of Defense, Office of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Linda and Lynn live in Alpine and have four children: Joshua, Dax, Christopher and Nikole. Linda stated upon Lynn’s last deployment, “We owe a debt to those who have gone before us.  We love our country and we’re grateful that our kids have grown up knowing how important that is.”

2018 - Hunt Willoughby

Hunt was born on April 18, 1959 in Boulder, CO. The first child of Otis and Zella Willoughby. Two little sisters joined the family at later dates so he grew up the big brother to Laurel and Heather. Many childhood adventures involved the mountains of Colorado and activities included hiking, biking, motorcycle riding, fishing and family trips at Christmas to Mexico. 

After graduating from fairview high school in boulder, CO, Hunt served a 2 year mission for the LDS church in Germany. He loved  his experiences there and still watches tv in German and reads in German to keep up his language.

Hunt attended and graduated from BYU with a bachelors in geology, a bachelors in German and a masters in geology. While attending BYU he met his wife Aniva. Aniva was born in Utulei, American samoa. When she was 5 years old her parents moved from American Samoa to Cardston, Alberta, Canada where they had extended family and there they raised their four children. 

Hunt and Aniva married in Cardston, Alberta on August 23, 1984 and have two children. Melia is 28 years old and lives in the SLC area and Hunter is 16 years old and attends Lone Peak High School. 

Hunt works for the state of Utah overseeing the disposal of hazardous waste at Energy Solutions. For 21 years Hunt served as an Alpine Planning Commissioner, an Alpine City Councilman and the Alpine Mayor. One of his favorite contributions to the city is the creation of Creekside Park which has become a great venue for Alpine Days. 

Hunt loves the outdoors and has enjoyed adventures hiking mountains in Utah and Colorado, buckle rides in Utah, Colorado, Washington, and Montana. Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, family trips to Alberta, Canada and Montana, volcanoes and whale watching in Hawaii, hiking to Everest base camp in Nepal, zip lines in Costa Rica, research trips to Baja, Mexico, deep sea fishing in Alaska and riding his motorcycle across back roads of the USA.

Aniva received her Bachelors from BYU in Psychology and has worked full time before kids and part time after kids in various positions at Utah valley hospital and American Fork Hospital for 30 years. She loves being a mom to her two children and is hoping for future grandchildren because she has heard that it is the best. Aniva’s hobbies include making stuff, sewing, quilting and bonnet movies. (You know the kind where the cast wear hats or bonnets) She has gone on some of Hunts adventures and for some she has been the one at home with kids who kept the “home fires burning”.

 

2017 - Multiple Alpine Residents

In 2017 there were over 20 Grand 

2016 - Jay and Julia Healey

Jay was born and raised in the tiny little town of Alpine, while Julia was raised in the tiny little town of Herriman, just over the mountain.  Both places had a little mercantile, two gas pumps, and one LDS Ward.  They have watched the growth and population explode throughout the years as each town was developed and became cities. Their great grandparents were the founding fathers and first settlers in both towns. Jay worked alongside of his father Marion for all his growing up years.  He bailed hay, and fed animals along with all the other chores that farmers do.  He knew how to drive the tractor when he was 6 years old.  He irrigated the fields all hours of the day and night.  Jay and his three siblings attended the school on the hill, Alpine Elementary, which had 6 grades in it.  He was able to leave first to go to lunch each day because he and a friend helped carry his classmate, Junior Galetka, who had polio.  They carried him up and down the stairs several times a day.  Wintertime brought lots of fun.  During recess, after school and on Saturdays the children would sleigh ride from the top of the hill, past the school, onto the road and continue down to Main Street.  What a thrill! Jay started hiking up in the hills and mountains of Alpine at a young age.  He later would hunt deer in the same mountains (he was an excellent shot).  He has lot of stories about the old-timers and who was related to who and how things used to be “in the good ‘ol days”.

Julia was  the oldest of six children, having five younger brothers.  They attended the little schoolhouse in Herriman, where there were 2 teachers and a total of 60 children in the whole school.  Jay attended the combined junior high and high school in the schoolhouse on the hill in American Fork from 7th grade to 10th grade.  He attended his last 2 years at the new American Fork High School, and graduated with 128 other students in 1961.  He continued his studies at Utah State University.  Julia attended West Jordan Jr. High School where she was a cheerleader for 3 years.  She went on to Bingham High School and graduated in 1966. Jay laid hardwood floors for Lynn Hale.  The biggest floor they laid was the original Deseret Gym, located where the LDS Conference Center is now.  He served for six years in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War, but his guard unit was never deployed.

 Jay started working utility construction for Turner Construction until it closed.  Meanwhile Julia worked at Electronic Memories in West Jordan making memory boards until they were married on July 24th 1969.  Jay went on to work for Jay Tuft Construction for eighteen years until the company closed it’s doors.  He then went to work for Westcon Construction laying pipe up and down the coast of California for six years.  He was then hired by Alpine City in May of 1993.  He served as the Public Works Director.  He knew how to work with his men and they all admired him and had a deep respect for him.  His two greatest accomplishments while working for the city were the pressurized irrigation and the downtown project, which was the curb and gutter and sidewalks in all of downtown Alpine.  He also assisted Ula Hemingway in erecting many historical sites throughout the city.  Jay attended every city meeting on Tuesday night for 20 years.  During which time he was instrumental in planning and developing four city parks, and many other city projects.

 The Healey family developed their family farm, which is now called Healey Heights.  They created Healey Park for the city and donated the land for the Alpine High Bench LDS Chapel.  Jay designed and developed their 100 acres of land.  While Jay was working hard, Julia had 7 children, which kept her very busy.  She considers her children her greatest joy and accomplishment.  Her and Jay have 8 grandchildren and still counting.  Julia and Jay served on the Old Folks Committee from 1972, until the program ended.  They served as the chairman for many of those years.  In the first years of their marriage, Julia was asked to teach 4-H classes.  Her 4-H kids took many things to the County and State Fairs.  Julia also shared her talents by helping with many “Road Show Productions”, in Herriman and Alpine.  She choreographed dancing and applied all kinds of make-up, created backdrops and made costumes.  She has taught craft classes in the Adult Education Program and in Relief Society Homemaking Classes.  She started selling her crafts at the boutiques for years in the 1980s. Jay spent countless hours constructing tents, booths, power lines and water lines for Alpine Days.  He hauled chairs, bleachers and equipment and did so much of the behind the scenes work.  Julia organized the Alpine Days Fair at the Old Gym on the hill.  It was filled to the brim with the best creations that Alpine people brought and displayed. For 29 years their children rode on floats that she made or rented.  She also helped with the fish- pond and other concessions, even the bake sale for the DUP.

 Julia owned and operated Sunshine Preschool for many years.  Her love of children was demonstrated every day as she taught them.  Many people were sad when she retired.  Are you a Sunshine School Graduate?  Julia creates fun and laughter wherever she goes.  She knows how to have a great party. In fact, she taught classes on parties and reunions for the Stake Relief Society and surrounding community wards.  Julia has served in many LDS Church capacities.  She has served in many presidencies on the stake and ward level.  She is now serving as a Compassionate Service Leader and enjoys helping others.

 Jay and Julia have lived in their four-generation home for 47 years.  Jay has remodeled and added onto their home throughout those years. They have traveled the whole world over and found “there’s no place like home”.  Alpine is a beautiful city and a wonderful place to raise children.  There are lovely views from every angle and every season adds to its charm.  We love Alpine!

2015 - Jerry and Marilyn McGhie

This is the 50th Anniversary of Jerry and Marilyn McGhie’s move to Alpine. A perfect year to be selected as the Grand Marshals of the Alpine Days Parade. (And Jerry’s 81st birthday is on that very day!)

Marilyn said, “The thing that attracted us to Alpine was that we realized what a great place it would be to raise a family. It had great people and a country atmosphere where the kids could enjoy the outdoors like we had when we were growing up.”

Alpine did not disappoint and the McGhies jumped right in, being active in Church, civic, sports, cultural, and educational endeavors in the community for 50 years while raising 6 boys and 2 girls.

Jerry served for 4 years as an Alpine City Councilman. While on the city council, he was instrumental in acquiring land for Burgess Park and worked with the Federal Government to have matching funds for the purchase and development of the first 13 acres of the park. He was also instrumental in keeping Lambert Park property designated as “park property” so it could remain as a park. Jerry worked with the Moyle family to have their land donated to the city and worked with other Alpine citizens to get the current Moyle Park designated as a National Historical Site. 

Jerry and Marilyn belonged to the first horseback riding club in Alpine and spent many days riding in the beautiful hills and mountains surrounding Alpine. Jerry was active with the 4-H Horsemanship Club. He had Alpine City set land aside and started the city’s funding for the current rodeo grounds. Then he and others spent many man hours getting it “rodeo ready.” 

Marilyn was the first co-chair of the Miss Alpine Pageant in the late 1970’s. She served on the committee for many years, including when it became the Alpine Jr Miss Pageant.  She was active in the PTA and 4-H for many years. Marilyn has spent thousands of hours at sporting events, music recitals, parent/teacher conferences, and scouting events while raising her 8 children (and a variety of dogs and horses) in Alpine. 

Jerry has been highly involved in the Boy Scouts of America program for many years. He has received the Second Miler and Silver Beaver Awards. Marilyn was active in cub scouts and instrumental in helping 6 sons and 8 grandsons (so far) earn their Eagle Scout Awards.

Active as a coach for Bantam basketball and little league baseball, Jerry also helped get Youth Soccer started in Alpine.

Alpine Days has been a busy time for Marilyn as her kids always rode in the parades on floats, horses, bikes and even on the 6 a.m. traditional “band wagon.”  

Serving in the Church has been a priority for the McGhies. Marilyn has spent time serving in 3 Relief Society presidencies, in numerous cub scout and Primary callings, but for most of her life has served in Young Women with the Mia Maids. Jerry has served in Young Men’s, on the high council, in the bishopric of the 2nd and 3rd Wards and as bishop of the 1st Ward. Jerry was the first Trek Master for Stake youth pioneer treks that have been going on for the past 12 years. The McGhies also served a mission in Nauvoo. 

They have always enjoyed snow and water skiing. Marilyn wake boarded last summer, and Jerry is still fishing, hunting, and riding horses in the mountains above Alpine. They have 16 grandsons, 15 granddaughters, and 10 great grandchildren.

The McGhies are known for their friendliness and sense of humor, their zest for life, and their loyalty to the many friends they have in Alpine. Jerry said, “We love Alpine for the peaceful beauty and the great people that are here.”

Other Grand Marshals

2014 – Arlin & Jannicke Brewer

2013 – Dean and Melanie Zimmerman

2012 – Zenneth & Alta Chamberlain

2011 – Janis Williams

2010 – Bertha Adams

2009 – Lamar & LaRene Drew

2008 – John Rowe & Phillippa Moyle

2007 – David & Loraine Healey

2006 – Teri & Keith Wilson

2005 – Ross & Joanne Beck

2004 – George & Bessie Rasmussen

2003 – Dennis Smith

2002 – David McManus

2001 – Iris Bullock

2000 – Horace & Verna Walker

Grand Marshal Nominations

We are looking for nominations for our 2022 Grand Marshall.  This person must be a current resident of Alpine that has contributed greatly to our community.  Nominations are due by April 1st. Click on the button below for more information and to submit your nominations.