David Richards

David Kearnes Richards Obituary

On the sunny Spring morning of March 29th, 2011 David Kearnes Richards passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife Sharon at his side. He battled stage IV colon cancer bravely and with dignity for over a year. His passing capped a marvelous sojourn through life filled with love for family, service, hard work and perseverance. David was born July 14th, 1931 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Franklin D. and Helen Kearnes Richards. He attended schools in Washington DC where his parents moved for a government assignment during World War II. There he served as a messenger in the local Air Raid Defense, began an egg selling career and nurtured a talent in photography which became a lifelong passion. These last two endeavors began an interest in entrepreneurial business at which he excelled. He returned to Salt Lake to finish his senior year at East High School, and affiliated with the Sigma Chi fraternity at the University of Utah. He served in the LDS Mexico and Central America mission from 1951-1953. . After his mission he returned to finish his education at the University of Utah. He sold real estate with Woodbury Corporation to pay for college. Soon thereafter he started a subdividing business in the East Millcreek area. His education was interrupted by a two-year military commitment which he served in the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Corps in Paris, France. He graduated from the University of Utah with degrees in business (1957) and law (1960). He married Sharon Louise Peterson on June 5th, 1964 in the Salt Lake Temple. David continued in real estate development for 50 years. He also owned several other businesses including Mt. Olympus Water, Equitech Manufacturing , Interwest Jet Center (Millionaire) , EVCO House of Hose and EZ Self Storage . David loved spending time with family and friends at the family ranch on the upper Weber River for more than 40 years. He was active in community service with the Salt Palace Board, Utah Symphony Board, Utah State Economic Development Board, Utah Boys Ranch, CHOICE Humanitarian and Enterprise Mentors. David quietly mentored and assisted hundreds of family members, university students, friends, neighbors, budding young business people and missionaries. David also devoted many years to Church service. He especially loved working with the youth and teaching the Gospel. He served as a Stake Missionary, a Stake Mission President, as Elders Quorum President and High Councilor. He and Sharon presided over the Bogota Colombia Mission (1974-1977) and the Madrid Spain MTC (1999-2001). He also served in an advisory capacity to the Church Missionary Department, the Real Estate Department and the Farm Department. Perhaps most importantly, he served as a faithful Home Teacher throughout his life. David loved to travel with family and friends to Sun Valley Idaho (where he and Sharon spent their honeymoon), St. George, Jackson Lake, and Cancun. He and Sharon enjoyed other trips with friends and family to various corners of the globe. David enjoyed participating in and watching sports, especially his grandchildrens sporting events. He loved good sports evidenced by his passion for both University of Utah Basketball and BYU Football, as well as the Utah Jazz. He had a passion for old cars and great new ones. He loved small model trains as well as designing homes, barns, condos and subdivisions. Most of all, David enjoyed being with his family at home and at the ranch. He loved being active with them water and snow skiing, snowmobiling, four wheeling and bicycle riding. He loved watching his children and grandchildren grow to meet life’s opportunities and challenges, and taking the time to teach them lessons I didnt learn in college. Of all Davids accomplishments, the one we are most grateful for is his continuing the legacy of being sealed together as a family for all eternity. His wife, children and grandchildren look forward to this rich association which will continue beyond the grave. David is survived by his wife Sharon Louise Peterson Richards, His brother Frank, his sister Nancy, his children Jennifer (Chris) Wood, David (Tiffany) Richards, Kathleen (John) Rich and his thirteen grandchildren. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Utah Cancer Specialists, St. Marks Hospital and LifePath Hospice. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, April 5th at East Millcreek 15th Ward at 3750 S. Hillside Ln (2600 E). Friends and family may visit from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday April 4th at Russon Brothers Mortuary at 255 South 200 East in Salt Lake. Family members and close friends may gather from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM on April 5th at the 15th Ward chapel prior to the funeral service. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Online condolences at www.russonmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the RendezvouzServiceRanch.org or the charity of your choice.