Richard Vern Wall

Richard Vern Wall, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed peacefully early on the morning of May 14, 2016, surrounded by family. He was born November 22, 1932 in Ogden, Utah, to Ernest Vern and Naomi Allred Wall. He graduated from Ogden High School, and then attended Columbia University in New York City, where he received a degree in Architecture. At Columbia, he played on the varsity football team as a center and on the varsity baseball team as a catcher. Following an LDS mission to France, he married Joyce Bartschi in the Salt Lake LDS Temple, June 13, 1962. As an architect for Ashton, Evans and Brazier, he supervised construction of the University of Utah Medical Center and the Kennecott Building in Salt Lake City. He received a PHD in French Language and Literature at Michigan State University with post-doctoral studies at Johns Hopkins University.

He was commissioned as a US Naval officer in 1954, served two years active duty during the Korean War, and retired as Captain in 1984. He taught at the Naval War College, received the China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and US Naval Academy Dean’s Award.

Teaching was his passion. He was a tenured professor at Indiana/Purdue University for 23 years where he earned many Outstanding Teacher awards. In 1984, his career path changed again when he took a position with Shipley Associates in Bountiful, Utah, and later became VP of Government Programs for Franklin Quest, later Franklin Covey. In 1996, he purchased his business unit and became owner of The Shipley Group.

Richard literally wore out his life in service. He served as a bishop, member of a stake presidency, and a temple ordinance worker. Following retirement at age 69, he served five missions with his angel sweetheart, Joyce. The people of Ghana, West Africa; Guyana, West Indies; Paris, France; and those who have passed on needing saving ordinances; all benefited from his selfless service. One of his greatest joys was serving as a Sealer performing ordinances in French in the Ghana Accra Temple. He had a deep love for, and relationship with the Savior Jesus Christ and shared it with all he met.

Richard was an example of love for his family and for others, of service and dedication to the Lord, of education, and of hard work and determination. He was earnest in all of his endeavors. He paid attention to detail, making sure everything was in order and in its proper place, even the dishes in the dishwasher! He left many lasting legacies for his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce, their children: Rebecca Warner (Vince), Matthew, Timothy (Barbara Thomas), Christopher (Jen Taylor), Judson (Marisa Larson), Heather Peterson (Shawn), Jennifer Holzer (Justin), Rachel Winkler (John), and Emily Fenwick (Darin), 31 beloved grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren (he always said that all of his grandchildren were great!), as well as his sister, Helene Davis.

*NEW LOCATION*

Saturday's funeral and viewing location has been changed to the Maple Hills Chapel (1320 East 1975 South) 

Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 11:00 am. Friends and family may visit Friday evening from 6-8 pm at the Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 N. Main St, Bountiful, as well as Saturday morning 9:45-10:45 am at the Maple Hills Chapel. Interment will be at the Bountiful City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the LDS Missionary Fund.