Richard J Russell

Richard Jay Russell (aka “Dad” and “Gonka”) was born to Howard “J” Russell and Myrtle Lewis Russell at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 19, 1940. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his large, adoring family on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at his home in Draper, Utah, at the age of 81. Richard was the oldest of four boys and dearly loved his younger brothers David (Eileen), Douglas (Pamela), and Lynn (Dianne), as well as their wonderful families.

Richard was raised in Salt Lake City and was in the first graduating class of Highland High School. He was proud to be a charter member. He earned his Eagle Scout Award as a youth and continued to serve in the Scouting program throughout his life. He served honorably in the United States Army Reserves and loved his country. He attended Brigham Young University where he met his beautiful wife and then graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in business management, all while working full time at R&W Dairy, the family business at the time.

On December 17, 1964, Richard married the love of his life, Lynette Joy Duncan, in the Salt Lake Temple. Richard and Lynette recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary by sharing memories from that special day with their children and grandchildren. Together they have six daughters, Renee (Phil), Sonia (Barry), Janine (Theran), Rochelle (Christian), Corinne (Travis), and Alyssa (Nathan). They have 22 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Richard loved his career working with his father and three brothers at the family business, Russell’s Ice Cream, in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were generous businessmen and provided ice cream for virtually every church and social event for decades. Dad's motto was "Life is short, eat dessert first!" Richard was a uniquely honest businessman, and his word and his deeds were ironclad marks of integrity throughout his entire life.

Richard was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sharing his faith wherever he went. He served faithfully as a missionary in Argentina and California (Spanish-speaking) for three years (1959–1962). He cherished his time serving as a Mission President for three years in Paraguay (1989–1992) with his wife and young family. Presidente and Hermana Russell truly love the missionaries with whom they served. Richard loved the Spanish language and the humility of the people of Latin America. Richard also served as Bishop of the Mt. Olympus 2nd Ward in Holladay, UT, his home for 42 years and where Richard and Lynette together raised their six daughters. Richard loved the temple and served as a worker in the Salt Lake Temple, and with his wife in the Draper Temple. His testimony and love for the gospel of Jesus Christ never wavered.

Richard loved aviation and flew his family’s airplane around South America, Central America, and the United States. He also loved boating and would take his family and their friends to Lake Powell multiple times each summer and teach them to waterski for hours on end. He loved ice cream, chocolate cake with double frosting, A&W root beer, and meat and potatoes (and they had to come out equally). He loved dogs and cared deeply about their humane treatment.

Richard generously gave his time and money in every area of his life. He was forgiving, humble, steady, and calm. He gave people the benefit of the doubt and helped others without question. He was both a gentle man and a true gentleman. He used his influence and power to spread unfailing kindness. He was a man unmatched in patience and goodness. He was a man unlike most men.

Richard loved his family with all of his heart and always showed extreme generosity and kindness to his incredible posterity. His kindness and patience were unmatched. When we thanked him, he would often say in reply, “What are dads for?” Richard and Lynette raised six successful, independent women. Together they instilled a deep appreciation for higher education in their daughters and were happy to see each earn a college degree.

A viewing will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, on Sunday, December 26, 2021, from 6–8 pm. A viewing will also be held prior to the funeral services from 10–11:30 am at the LDS Chapel at 272 E. Traverse Point Road, Draper UT on Monday, December 27, 2021. Funeral services will take place at the same location at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Utah in his honor.

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