Miles "Cap" Yeoman Ferry Obituary (1932 - 2017)

Miles Yeoman "Cap" Ferry passed away on March 31, 2017 after a very brief illness at the age of 84. He was born in Brigham City, Utah on September 22, 1932 to John Yeoman Ferry II (the original "Cap") and Alda W. Cheney Ferry. Cap lived a life devoted to family, agriculture, and public service. He married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne Call, on May 19, 1952 and was later sealed in the Logan Temple on June 1, 1953. Their union was blessed with four children and later expanded to include two daughters through the LDS Indian Placement Program. Cap and Sue were true partners in life, raising their children and grandchildren, participating in public life, and traveling the world together. Upon graduating from Box Elder High School in1950, Cap attended Utah State Agricultural College on a music scholarship, joined Phi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and graduated Phi Kappa Phi in Animal Science in 1954. Following graduation, Cap joined his father in his farming and sheep operation and subsequently incorporated it into "J.Y. Ferry and Son, Inc.", expanding its 117-year operation into its current diversified feedlot, ranching and farming agri-business. He began his lifelong love for public service through the US Junior Chamber of Commerce (JAYCEEs) civic organization. He was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in 1964 and to the Utah State Senate in 1966. He served eighteen years in the Senate, and as President of the Senate for six of those years. As a legislator, Cap was known for his sound judgment, fairness, and ability to bridge differences. His sponsorship of the "Farmland Assessment Act (Greenbelt Act)" is the legacy he left to Utah's agricultural community. While serving as Senate President, he was selected as National Legislator of the Year and in 1983 was elected as President of the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL). In his capacity as NCSL President he frequented the White House and traveled internationally to meet with foreign officials and heads of state. In 1985 Cap was appointed Utah Commissioner of Agriculture by newly-elected Governor Norman H. Bangerter and served in that capacity for eight years, during which he also served as Vice-Chair of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. He lent his voice to agriculture through his association with the Utah Farm Bureau Federation and to the cause of freedom by sponsoring over 50 students to attend American Legion's Girls and Boys State. Upon leaving official public service, he joined his wife Sue in her successful political consulting firm, "Legislative Executive Consulting." As partners, they advised and lobbied for local, state, national, and international clients. Cap was an active member of The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints. He cherished his service as a Bishopric Counselor, a High Councilman, as a Service Missionary (13 years) at the Joseph Smith Building, SLC, and as a Brigham City Temple Worker. Though community, church, and political service brought him great satisfaction, perhaps the greatest joy that came to Cap was through serving his family. He loved making his grandchildren (whom he affectionately called the "Kinsmen") a waffle breakfast on Sunday afternoons, bringing together his children at Christmastime, spending time with family at their Bear Lake Cabin, and taking friends and family on summer trips to Europe and beyond. Cap will be remembered for his great service to the community, but also for his small acts of kindness to his family and friends. Cap is survived by his dear wife, Suzanne Call Ferry; his children: John Y. (Teresa) Ferry IV, Jane F. Stewart, Benjamin C. (Margaret) Ferry, Suzanne F. (Gary) Thorup, Helen B. Bileen, and Nora B. (Harlow) John; his sisters: Donna (Bert) Cussimannio, Bonnie F. Holmes, and Nancy (Reese) Beeton; his sister-in-law LaRita Evans; brother-in-laws David W. "Bo" (Donna) Call, and G. Richard Mantlo; 29 grandchildren and 64 great-grand children. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Y. Ferry II and Alda W. Cheney Ferry; his in-laws, David H. Call and LaRetta W. Call; his son-in-law, Dave N. (Jane) Stewart; a great granddaughter, Rachel S. Thorup; his sister-in-laws: Judy C. (Richard) Mantlo and Verabel C. Cluff; and his brother-in-law John L. (Bonnie) Holmes. A viewing will be held at Myers Mortuary, 205 S. 100 E., Brigham City, Utah on Sunday, April 9, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm Monday, April 10, 2017, at the Brigham City West Stake Center, 895 N. 625 W., Brigham City. A viewing prior to the funeral will begin at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the Corinne Cemetery, Corinne, Utah where Cap served as the Chair of the Cemetery Committee for 22 years. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Brigham City 205 South 100 East Brigham City, UT 84302 April 9, 2017 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ServiceBrigham City West Stake 895 North 625 West Brigham City, UT 84302 April 10, 2017 1:00 PM CemeteryCorinne Cemetery Southwest of Corinne 2 miles Corinne, UT 84307 April 10, 2017