Richard Taft Budge

Richard Taft Budge (78) was a gregarious, warm, friendly, optimistic man, who always saw the good in others. He returned home with honor to the arms of loved ones when he passed away peacefully in Layton, Utah the morning of February 14, 2021 from kidney failure.

Richard was born October 30, 1942 in Montpelier, Idaho. He is the son of Taft P. and Jean Price Budge. He has 3 brothers and 4 sisters. Richard learned early to be a hard worker by being responsible for milking the family’s cows. He was adventurous by spirit and had a carefree childhood throwing rocks and sometimes getting into trouble with his inquisitive nature of being a growing boy. He was especially active in sports of all kinds and played many musical instruments.

Richard loved life and learning. He graduated in 1961 from Fielding High School in Paris, Idaho and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints He labored in the North Central States Mission from 1961-1963 serving mostly in Manitoba Canada. His testimony of the gospel guided him through his life and impacted him in all he did.

After his mission, Richard attended Brigham Young University getting a BS degree in Psychology in 1969 and later his MBA degree in 1972. He enjoyed being involved in campus life and had the opportunity to be a part of student government while he was there and became a lifelong Cougar fan.

In 1967 Richard met and married his first wife Sara Lynn Lowrey in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they had six children including five wonderful sons and one beautiful daughter. He absolutely loves each one of his children and was immensely proud of them. Together Richard and Lynn moved to multiple places in the United States, but eventually made their way back to settle in Utah. Richard and Lynn were later divorced.

Richard’s career led him into the world of finance which gave him the opportunity to help other people and companies plan for their future. When the right time came, he opened his own consulting firm. Richard always loved being involved in the community and looked for ways to impact the world for good. He was appointed to serve as the president of the Salt Lake Society of Financial Analysts (now CFA Society), the president of the National Kidney Foundation of Utah and Idaho, an Ambassador for Ballet West, and served three terms as a Republican delegate.

Richard fell in love with and married his sweetheart Ann Stevenson Silver in 1987. They were sealed in the Jordan River Temple and enjoyed the rest of his life with her by his side as his companion. Together they journeyed on adventures all over the world, cheered on his favorite BYU Cougars, and had season tickets to the theater. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and loved to cheer and support his family in all their activities including school, soccer, piano, dance, football, hockey, missions, careers, etc. Richard loved to read and write books and poetry. He enjoyed sports of all kinds (especially BYU football), dancing, and gardening, and singing. He never missed a chance to sing with the ward choir.

Richard served faithfully in the church holding many different callings over his lifetime. He served in bishoprics as a bishop, and a counselor multiple times, high councilman, Elders Quorum president, gospel instructor, Boy Scout leader, dance instructor, as well as in many other callings. Missionary work and serving others were lifelong passions for him. He genuinely loved and cared for people, and it was quite common for him to meet someone for the first time and make a lasting friendship.

It was the greatest desire of Richard’s heart to share the gospel with his family. He had a genuine knowledge that God lives, and it is by His grace that His Son, Jesus Christ came into this world to atone for our sins and show us how to live. Richard wants with all his heart to be with his family and friends in the life hereafter.

Richard is survived by his loving wife Ann, his six children and six stepchildren: Richard (Heather Anne) Budge, David (Chris) Budge, Scott (Sara) Budge, Loren (Erin) Budge, Melanie Budge, Michael (Chelsea) Budge, Kathleen (Alan) Davis, Janet (Dale) Lott, Barbara Ann (Gregg) Petersen, Kimberly (Joe) Wing, Teresa (Doug) Reed, Alison (Brett) Conover, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Ione Hall, Neil (Jan) Budge, Ann (Chuck) Massey, Mark (LouAnn) Budge, and sister-in-law Janet Budge. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lynn Budge, and sisters Mary (Byron) Sayer, and Margaret (Dick) Haycock, brother-in-law Kent Hall, and his grandson Dallin Reed.

The family would especially like to thank the team of CNA’s and nurses Dani, Brian, Kayla, Heidi and Mindi and staff at Canyon Cares for their compassionate care as Richard finished his life here on earth with us. A viewing will be held Friday, February 19, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 PM, and Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 8:45-9:45 AM. The funeral will follow at 10:00 AM at the Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 N. Main Street, Farmington, UT 84025. Internment will be in the Paris City Cemetery, Paris Idaho.