John Richards

Nov. 16, 1949 – Mar. 8, 2017

Passed away peacefully with a smile on his face. He was greeted with open arms by his parents, Philip and Elma Richards. Who preceded him to meet their Heavenly Father.

John was diagnosed with Stage 1 diabetes at the age of 30. He was a 21 year transplant survivor of his kidney and pancreas. His battle with diabetes was the cause of his passing.

He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and married his beautiful wife, Victoria Ann Richards in the Washington DC LDS Temple in 1982.

He is survived by his wife and children, Valerie (David) Stanton, Nicole Williams, Celeste (Luke) Ratto, Joshua McDonald and Gabriel McDonald. And grandchildren: Sydney Stanton, Cortini Larson, Mariah Herrington, Brooke McDonald, Nash and Nora Ratto.

Also, survived by his siblings: Philip (Cathy) Richards, Susan (Don) Wright, Lois (Bob) Powell, Mary (Mike) Fitch, Margret Richards, and Peter (Alecia) Richards.

John graduated from the first graduating class of Skyline High school in 1967 (so he said). He had a little ‘wild’ time while at Ricks College (now BYU Idaho) in 1968. Those who knew him then, will know what we mean. He served a LDS Mission in Canada, 1969-1971.

Being a proud Republican, he loved to boast that while at BYU, he was the President of the Young Democratics. He Graduated from his beloved BYU in 1975 with a degree in Political Science.

He was a respected salesman, and that talent, paid for his college education. It took him several years after college to find his love for finance. He was a Financial Planner starting in the late 70’s until present. He prided himself on helping his clients like they were family. All who knew him completely, trusted and respected him. Throughout his career, he won so many awards, there are just to many to list. Basically, he was amazing!

John was an avid car guy since before he could even drive. The first car he owned was a classic Austin Healey that he fixed up on his own. After that he was fascinated to English sports cars. He owned three Jaguars at one time! He loved to go to all the car shows in and out of town.

He and Vicki were world travelers. Their first big trip was when they first got married. They went on a two week trip to the Orient. After that they traveled to Israel and Egypt on the Holy Land Discovery tour. The traveling never stopped. A cruise ship was the best way to travel, from that point forward. They went on several European cruises including, a riverboat Viking Cruise down the Danube River. Also, several Caribbean and Mexican Rivera cruises. The last one being the summer of 2016. And of course, his all time favorite was the Alaska cruise, where he took all his children and grandchildren.

The most important thing in John’s life was his family. His love for his wife Vicki was extraordinary. His greatest joy was being with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Favorite family vacations included Lake Powell and Lake Mead on the boat. Other favorites were annual trips to the family cabin at Macks Inn on the River and up Mount Air Canyon. He loved going out to lunch, his favorite meal of the day, and taking anyone and everyone. Dad looked forward to us all being together as a family. This included lots of laughter, a little jabbing, and always having fun.

We love and miss John/Dad with all of our hearts, but know we will be with him again one day soon.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Viewing will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park: 3401 S. Highland Dr. SLC, UT 84106

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Friday, March 17, 2017

His Celebration of Life will be held at Altaview Stake – Sunridge Ward, 1850 E. 8600 So., Sandy, UT 84093

Viewing: 10:45am - 11:45am followed by the service: 12:00pm

Interment will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park: 3401 S. Highland Dr. SLC, UT 84106

Time: 1:45pm

In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Please be an organ donor, it really does save lives. Thank you.