Nov. 28, 1962 – March 21, 2024
It is with profound sorrow that we share the unexpected passing of our cherished Darryl Trent “Goat” Hafen, which occurred at his home in Hurricane, Utah, on Thursday, March 21, 2024. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his brother Troy, his father Darryl, his mother Mary Jane, his cousin Wade, and his aunt Gloria Kezos. Trent is survived by his sons, Braxton and Jordan, both of St. George; his sister, Darci (Vanessa), also of St. George; his adored grandchildren, Cambri, Jersey, Madden, Addison, and Maddox; his step-grandchildren, Lyla and Tanayah. He also leaves behind numerous beloved uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who will continue to honor his memory.
Goat was born on Nov. 28, 1962, in Kanab, Utah. He was raised on 700 South in St. George with his brother Troy and sister Darci. He graduated from Dixie High School and went on to serve an LDS mission in South Carolina and Georgia. Following his mission, he pursued higher education at Southern Utah University and earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Goat’s passion for teaching led him to become an elementary school teacher in Las Vegas, where he positively impacted the lives of many students.
He married Monica Tervo and had two sons: Braxton and Jordan. Monica and Trent later divorced. Tragically, after four years of dedicated service in education, Goat faced significant challenges with his mental health, which ultimately necessitated his departure from teaching.
Trent was remarkably candid about his battles with mental health and addiction. At the time of his passing, he was on the brink of celebrating his 11th year of sobriety, a milestone he achieved through unwavering determination and resilience. He served in Alcoholics Anonymous for years, helping set up speaker meetings and supporting others. Trent shared his journey openly, fervently hoping that his experiences would serve as a cautionary tale for those grappling with similar challenges. Despite facing numerous close calls due to poor decisions and unfortunate circumstances, he believed that fate had spared him to convey a message of hope and survival. Trent attributed his sobriety to the unwavering support of his AA companions and his devoted mother, Mary Jane, as well as to his spiritual beliefs in Jesus and Jim Morrison. Each evening, Trent engaged in a ritual of journaling before immersing himself in music, wielding a long Native American staff as he imagined himself on stage, connecting deeply with his inner spirit. These nightly concerts often stretched into the early hours, serving as a cathartic expression of his journey towards healing and self-discovery.
During the difficult months of his brother Troy’s cancer decline, Goat stepped up to be there for him. He was also essential in helping to care for his mother, Mary Jane, after his father had passed away. In the last few years of his life, he was able to do some traveling. He was able to see his Buffalo Bills play in New York and his Orioles play in Baltimore. Additionally, he embarked on numerous journeys to Los Angeles to catch the Dodgers in action with David McDonald, fulfilling a passion for sports that ran deep within him.
Goat’s love for music was profound and unyielding, evident in his attendance at over 100 concerts in his final years with Dave McDonald or Jeff Wilkes. Music served as his guiding light, a source of solace and spiritual connection that he embraced wholeheartedly.
The family would like to thank the Alcoholics Anonymous community for supporting Trent in making his last years the best years of his life.
Services will be held at the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah, on Friday, March 29.
- Viewing: 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Family Prayer & Closing the Casket: 1:45 p.m.
- Funeral Service/Celebration of Life: 2 p.m.
Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to view the service online.
Interment will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery, Ancestor Way, Santa Clara, Utah.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah, 435-673-2454.
Family and friends are invited to sign Goat’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com.