Frank Donald Richardson

Frank Donald Richardson passed away at the age of 80 in his home in Fruit Heights, Utah, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Alameda, California to Frank Ray Richardson and Harriett Lowrene Rowley. In his formative years, back when he was known as Donnie, the Richardson family lived in various areas of Utah, California, Colorado and New Mexico. After graduating from Bountiful High School, Frank served as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 30 months in the North German Mission (1962-65).

He was married to Shirleen Eggett from 1965 to 1984, with whom he had five children. He then met and married the love of his life, Diane Marshall, in 1985. They were later sealed in the Ogden Utah Temple in 1988. Together with Diane’s two children, they lived in various areas of Davis County, Utah, ultimately settling in Fruit Heights for the last 22 years of his life.

Frank served from 1970 to 1976 in the United States Army and Army Reserve as a captain and chaplain. He was stationed in Washington and Texas, and served for a year in Vietnam.

Frank was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a steadfast faith in his Savior Jesus Christ. His dedication to the restored gospel permeated all that he said and did, and he had a righteous influence on all who knew him. He served diligently in various church callings throughout his lifetime. He loved serving others and greatly enjoyed the associations made through his assignments. He was able to teach and mentor youth and helped many develop character through the scouting program. He worked hard as a Sunday School teacher and served as counselor to multiple bishops.

Frank’s natural drive and desire to make the most of his time on earth was manifested in countless ways. He was passionate about learning, earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Utah and a PhD in Communications from the University of Washington. Throughout his life, he consistently sought to improve himself and his abilities, including learning languages and musical instruments, reading voraciously, and often trying new activities to keep his mind sharp.

Frank found great satisfaction in his employment with the Welfare Services department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and considered his career of over 30 years there to be a great blessing. Before retiring from his career with the Church, he had already lined up his next adventure, teaching communications courses as an adjunct faculty member at Weber State University. In 15 years, he taught over 1,200 students and developed friendships with many.

Frank enjoyed many outdoor expeditions with family and friends. His Adventure Log contains a record of more than 300 hikes, climbs, rivers, camps, pack trips, and road trips. He reached nearly 100 summits, many with members of his family. Mount Timpanogos in Utah was his favorite, climbing it 37 times. Frank ran 30 marathons over the course of 35 years and passed his running gene onto several members of the following generations.

Over the years, Frank crafted several stories that he would later develop and publish as novels. He also self-published various installments of his family history. His thorough record keeping and desires to share histories have already blessed the lives of many and will continue to influence generations to come.

“Please know that I am a happy man. Not happy with all the choices I’ve made. Certainly not happy with my failures. But happy in reflection of the great blessings poured out on me and my loved ones by our great, and generous, and good Father in Heaven.”

“Life is great! God is good! What more can I say until we meet again?”

“Farewell, my friends, until we meet in an eternal world.”

– Frank Richardson, Grand Adventure

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Harriett, and his son, Russell Alan Richardson. We celebrate what we imagine to be the most joyous of reunions.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; his sisters - Marilyn, Jen, and Barb Fields (Chuck); his children - Clark (Stephanie), Gregg (Karen), Brad (Becki), Emily LeFevre (Brandon), Bryan Berglund (Jadene) and Rebecca Willey (Jon); 23 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 11th, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 170 N Mountain Road, Fruit Heights UT. A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 10th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 N Main St, Farmington UT, as well as Friday morning from 9:30 to 10:45 AM at the church building prior to services. Interment at the Bountiful City Cemetery.

For those wishing to attend the funeral service virtually, the services will also be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.