Ron Haun, an American former football coach, passed away at 82, leaving his beloved wife, Beverly. He had brain cancer.
He lived with his wife in St. George, Utah, where he was undergoing treatment for his cancer.
Ron played football, baseball, and basketball at Murray High School and focused on football as a quarterback at Dixie College and Weber State College.
After graduation, he taught physical education and coached football, basketball, and tennis at Skyline High School from 1966 to 1974. He returned to his alma mater as a football head coach in 1974.
Afterward, Ron coached at Ricks College from 1983 until 2001 and posted a 178-40-2 record in his two decades. His team consistently ranked in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s final polls.
He probably coached 2,300 players at Ricks College and joined Brigham Young University–Idaho from 1982 to 2001.
Similarly, he coached at Dixie State University, now Utah Tech University, from 2006 to 2009 before retiring from professional coaching.
His tragic demise saddened the football community; many remembered him in their heartfelt tribute.
Utah Tech Athletics and all of Trailblazer Nation mourn the passing of former Head Football Coach Ron Haun. Our thoughts are with the entire Haun family and all who had the opportunity to call him “Coach.”
Utah Tech Athletics
Rest easy, Coach
Ron Haun Lost His Life To Brain Cancer
Ron Haun passed away after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Beverly Haun, and his legacy of kindness, leadership, and profound impact on countless lives.
Meeting Ron was a life-changing experience, and his influence extended far beyond the field or court..
Ron cared deeply for his players, not just as athletes but also as a family. He ensured they had groceries or a hot meal if they were struggling.
After his diagnosis spread, former players and coaches organized a heartfelt Zoom call to express their gratitude and support. Around 60 people joined virtually, while others gathered at the Haun home.
That night, they reminded him of the extraordinary difference one person can make in many lives.
He was never happy with anything. “If something was good he would always say ‘Run it again.’ Everything was about improvement. Coach Haun was one of those guys he just knew whatever you did you could always do a little better because he expected it. And everybody else had that attitude. There was no such thing as doing something second best.
Mike Uhrich
Beyond his athletic achievements, he was a devoted family man. His wife of 55 years, Beverly, remained by his side and was first and foremost in his mind.
At the time of diagnosis, instead of worrying about his health, he was more worried about his wife’s future. He was afraid that his health would ruin their careful planning for her future.
Rebecca Savidis organized a fundraiser on GoFundMe on behalf of Beverly Haun.
To all my Ricks College Viking brothers and sisters. Our beloved head football Coach Ron Haun will be undergoing brain surgery to remove an aggressive tumor this afternoon at about 1pm. I am asking us all to keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers. As you can imagine these are tough times for those closest to coach.
Simon Timms
Thank you all in advance.
Ron Haun’s legacy lives on in the countless individuals he guided, fed, and inspired.
He was more than a coach; he was a father figure, a guardian, and a beacon of compassion. He will be deeply missed, but his lessons, generosity, and love will never be forgotten.
A viewing ceremony will be held at Metcalf Funeral Home on May 16 from 6 to 8 a.m. and May 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. His funeral service will be on May 17 at 1 p.m.
Ron’s funeral service will be live-streamed, and his graveside service will be on May 19 in Herber City. Rest in peace, Coach Ron Haun.
In case You Didn’t know
- Ron Haun graduated from Murray High School in 1961 and earned a master’s from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1966.
- He was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Ricks College Hall of Fame in 2007.
- The Vikings’ final season ended in 2001 with Ron as the last head coach.
