Richard Bernell McAllister Jr.

Richard B. McAllister passed away at age 94 on October 12, 2024, from heart failure. He was born October 1, 1930, in Kanab, Utah, to Richard Bernell and Luzene Wilkinson McAllister. He was the second of 7 living children and the oldest boy. The family moved dozens of times during his youth, spending summers in southern Utah and some winters in Logan, Utah. He was a hard worker and performed much physical labor as a youth.

He was sealed to Kathryn Blomquist in the Salt Lake Temple on August 18, 1958, and together they had 4 children.They raised their family in Sandy, Utah.

He was a ward organist for over 50 years. His talent on the piano and organ was rewarded with being ordained a deacon and made the priesthood organist on the same day. He was a talented musician, playing the organ, piano, guitar, ukulele, and harmonica. He was a member of a college band in Price, UT, where he played trumpet while still attending high school.

He contracted Rheumatic Fever as a teen and was on bedrest for over a year. This left him short on credits, so he did not graduate from high school, but he made up for his missing education in college. He majored in Theater and minored in English, and later he received his master's in education. He loved his country and wanted to serve in the military. However, his Rheumatic Fever left him with a heart murmur, so he was denied that opportunity. He taught English at Mt. Jordan Jr. High School, Jordan High School, and Brighton High School. He retired from teaching in 1992.

Richard and Kathryn moved to Layton, Utah in 1995 when UDOT bought their home on 90th south in Sandy to widen the road.

Richard loved gardening and grew a large, wonderful garden each summer. He also worked many summers for Jordan School District writing curriculum. He had a keen sense of humor and loved to make impromptu jokes using creative words he knew so well as a master of the English Language.

He is survived by his children; Vivian (Dan) Dearden, Virginia (Jeff) Spenst, Karen (Ben) Spencer, Richard (Reid Baty) McAllister, along with 14 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Kathryn, his parents, brother Pat McAllister, and sisters Joann, Marilyn, and Luzene.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 19, at 380 S. Fairfield Rd. at noon. A viewing will be held from 10:00-11:45 AM prior to the service. Burial will be at Wasatch Lawn: 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek Utah.

Thanks to Aspen Ridge Hospice who managed his final 16 days with sincere care, love, empathy, and the utmost concern for his comfort. Also, most recently his caregivers Dr. Nebekker, Dr. Travis Dastrup, Dr.Kristen Lile, and Bryan Searle, PA, and their staff for their care and attention.