William D Richards

Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at home due to complications of pancreatic cancer. At the time of his passing, he was lovingly surrounded by family.

He was born November 5, 1933 in Salt Lake City, Utah to John Willis and Maggie Reid Richards and was one of 13 children. He graduated from Cyprus High School in 1952. He married his high school sweetheart Leslie Ann Gallyer who passed away in 1993. He married Susan Machel Smith in 1997 and has been beside him ever since. He retired from Kennecott after 33 years of service and went on to work 13 more years with West Valley City.

Dale had several passions in life. Family, gardening, hunting, dog trials, scouting, pirate swimming and chariot racing. Among the many lessons he bestowed upon his children and others was the value of hard work. We will forever be changed because of what he taught us. Among his most treasured accomplishments were: His family first, the Silver Beaver award in scouting and winning three World Chariot Championships, which tied the family together. We will forever miss his green thumb and beautiful yard and gardens. There is nothing he loved more than time spent taking care of his well-groomed yard.

He was preceded in death by his first wife; Ann and daughter; Leslie Roberts.

He’ll be missed beyond measures by his wife; Machel, children; Debra (Lynn)Thomas, Rex (Lorie), Ron (Althea), son in law; Harry Roberts, step children; Jacob Smith, Zachary (Krista) Smith, Isaac (Kim) Smith, Caleb Smith and Maggie (Wayne) Frisby, 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Dale will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lake Ridge 2nd Ward, 7960 West Dalesend Drive (2895 So), where friends may visit with the family on Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday morning one hour prior to the services. Internment: Valley View Memorial Park.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.valleyviewfuneral.com.