Rich was born on December 21, 1942 to John Boyd and Mary Esther (née Hazlett) Peters in Butler County, Pennsylvania. Growing up, he often worked with his father on their family farm. Rich loved learning and valued education. He attended Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, originally studying history before graduating in 1964 with a degree in business and economics. On April 2, 1965, he married Darlene Forsythe. Rich served in the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1968. A serial entrepreneur, Rich ran many of his own businesses, including a natural food store and a variety of real estate investments. He also worked in sales, specifically in the label business, for much of his life.
Rich is survived by his wife, Darlene; daughters Stephanie Daniel (John) and Heather Alsup (William); grandchildren: Bethany, Mary (Nicholas), David (Alexandra), Benjamin, Harrison, Zachary, and Sullivan; great-grandchild Matthew; and sister, Doris Michael.
Rich will be fondly remembered for his deep love for other people, including his astute ability to remember people’s names, families, and life events; his stalwart and contagious positive attitude and most of all, his sure testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Rich’s honor to cancer.org (The American Cancer Society) or philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org (Humanitarian Aid Fund).
