G Richards

G. William Richards, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and faithful friend passed on to a joyous reunion with loved ones on Wednesday, November 30, 2005. Bill was born December 25, 1918 to Stayner and Jane Taylor Richards. He met his sweetheart Claire Dyreng in New York City where they were both studying music. They were married in the Manti Temple August 15, 1955 and shared fifty wonderful, happy years together. They are the parents of three sons and one daughter: Dr. Ray Jan Richards, Robert Nicki Richards, David Shyrl Richards, and daughter Elizabeth Jon Tenney. Bill was a faithful and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While serving in the Eastern States Mission, he was transferred to California to play the organ in the ?Little Tabernacle,? the LDS exhibit on Treasure Island at the San Francisco World?s Fair. Bill proudly served his country for five years in World War II. During a two-year tour of duty in Europe he served as a chaplain?s assistant providing music for religious services three to five times day. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and assisted with the liberation of several prison camps, all the time carrying a portable organ and playing for services anytime, anywhere. Bill graduated from the University of California at Berkeley and attended the Manhattan School of Sacred Music and Columbia University. He taught at New York University and was organist for non-denominational services in Carnegie Hall for four years. He also served as organist at the United Nations Chapel playing for many special events. After spending a year in Boston, Bill and Claire settled in Reno, Nevada where for fourteen years he was Executive Vice-President of the Nevada Division of the American Cancer Society. He was later appointed Director of Reports for the national office of the American Cancer Society, and moved his family to Short Hills, New Jersey from whence he commuted to his New York City Office. Retiring and returning to Salt Lake was a joyous occasion. Bill had promised to build a family cabin, so he enrolled at Utah Technical College and earned a degree in building construction. With the help of family and friends he completed a beautiful mountain home at Pine Mountain where the family loves to gather. Bill served faithfully in many Church callings including Missionary, Elders Quorum President, High Council Member and Bishop of the Manhattan Ward in New York City. Upon returning to Salt Lake he was called to serve on the Hymnbook Executive Committee. He was well prepared, having previously been a member of the Executive Committee of the Hymn Society of America for twenty-two years. Bill then served fourteen years as Organist for the Tourists? Devotionals in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. Bill is survived by his wife, Claire, four children, nineteen grandchildren, sisters Marion Landward and Nancy John Poulton, brother Lee Richards, sister-in-law Margaret Richards, and brother-in-law Theron Fotheringham. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 5, 2005 at 12 noon in the Foothill 7th Ward, 2215 Roosevelt Avenue, with a viewing at 10:30 am. A viewing will also be held Sunday, December 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 225 S. 200 E., Salt Lake City, UT. Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com