Richard Peterson Marchant

Richard Peterson Marchant returned to his heavenly home Jan. 23, 2022 surrounded by his family. Richard was born on July 25, 1935 in Murray, Utah to Stephen Casper Marchant and Beatrice Alveretta Peterson as one of 15 children and as part of the only set of twins to form this loving family. Richard married the love of his life on September 4, 1959 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They had six children: Nancy Pehrson (Dave), Rodney Muir Marchant (Becky), Harold Kent Marchant, Stephen Carl Marchant (Heidi), Gary Muir Marchant deceased, Kimberly Budd (Zadok), 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren-all of whom have felt his generous nature throughout their lives. Preceded in death by: wife Joan, son Gary, great-granddaughter Abigail, parents Stephen and Beatrice, brothers LeGrande, George, Maurice, and Roger; sisters Lucy, Elva, Joan, Lois; and in-laws Jean, Valoy, Bob, Chuck, Lindsay, Gladys. It was with his large family that Richard felt the greatest joy.
Richard was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he held many callings and did much service. He served in the New England States Mission from 1954-56 teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the wonderful people in the area. Served as Cub Master for the Bountiful 13th Ward and region sports director. In later years, he was honored to serve as a temple worker in the Salt Lake Temple. Richard took great joy in helping to organize his ward’s monthly trips to serve those who frequented the Saint Vincent DePaul’s Center, feeding those who were in need. He loved the gospel and could always be found looking to the needs of others, especially his children whom he would help with service, funds when times got hard, and love and comfort throughout his life.
Richard was particularly troublesome to Joan when he would watch their children, helping them turn the house into a playground in need of serious reconstruction. Most notable was Richard’s love of sports, particularly tennis. He threw a wicked slow pitch for his ward’s softball team and served a curve in tennis that left many opponents wondering what just happened. Richard made sure that his children and grandchildren understood and could play tennis, and played whatever sport they participated in honorably. One of his favorite activities was giving his great-grandchildren rides on his walker and motorized cart.
Richard’s love of family only grew as his children and grandchildren created unions. His “children in-law” were family to him, and he welcomed them with open arms and a loving heart. Each additional member brought a much-appreciated addition to the family choir.
Following Joan’s passing, Richard moved to Chancellor Gardens Assisted Living in Clearfield where spent the remainder of his life seeing family, teaching Priesthood, and playing bingo with the friends he made there. Richard’s door remained open so that he could visit with those who passed by. His family would like to thank the staff of Chancellor Gardens and Appletree Hospice for making his final months easier and for the care that they gave with love.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 29, 2022 at the Bountiful 53rd Ward, 1350 North 650 East, Bountiful. A viewing will be held Friday, January 28, 2022 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main St., Bountiful, and Saturday morning 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. We invite all to attend as we remember this great man, husband, father, and friend.

Services will be streamed live on Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.