John "Rick" Rich

Rick Rich, as he was known by most everyone in his life, passed away unexpectedly on December 16, 2019, in his home in St. George, Utah.

Rick was born in Salt Lake City on December 21, 1946, to Beverly Jane and John F. Rich. After his parents divorced, he and his sister, Arnette, were raised by their mother in the little brick house near Liberty Park that became the heart of the Rich family. He graduated from South High School and not long after joined the Army where he dutifully served his country until he was honorably discharged.

Rick was well known for being a talented and dependable handyman and contractor. Whether it was remodeling your home or just coming over to change a lightbulb, he always worked hard to make his clients happy, which is why so many of them became his good friends.
He also did everything he could to help those who worked for him both employees and subcontractors. He made loyal friendships with everyone he worked alongside. He took great pride in his business and will be fondly remembered for his R&R t-shirts and overly vinyl’d vehicles.

Throughout his life, he loved four women and even though the romantic part of their relationships didn’t last, he was able to maintain friendships with Toni, Linda, Leslie, and Elaine. He was especially a blessing to Linda, whom he diligently cared for and loved through the last few weeks of her life. Her loss was a great heartache he never fully recovered from.

Rick was many things to many people, but above everything, he will be most well known as a trusted and loyal friend. Since his passing, his family has been told story after story about how Rick showed up for his friends and how he always went the extra mile for them.

Rick had two desires in his passing. Both of which were granted. First that it would be quick and second that he wouldn’t be alone. The family will never be able to express their gratitude to Chris Pedersen who was there in those last moments and showed true friendship and love to Rick as he left this earthly life.

Rick leaves behind many close and wonderful friends including Chris Pedersen, Dan Nuffer, Jerry Rezendes, Jerry Winters, Dale Larkin, Tyrell Bangerter, Tanner Carnley, and the good old boys at Golden Corral, to name just a few. He also leaves behind his friends at South Mountain Community Church, the Dixie Elks Lodge, everyone at AA and the Haven, and all his friends in both the St. George and Salt Lake building communities.
We could go on and on but all the friends he made in his lifetime are just too numerous to list.

He also leaves behind a large family that he was very proud of. His children Chrisanne (Shayne), Michael (Brandi), Dustin (Amanda) and Abbey (Tyson). His grandchildren Jordan (Jenna), Keaton (Ariana), Nicklaus, Cody (Kira), Jesse (Janesca), Cheryl (Kendrick), Krystal (Rory), Ozzy (Aubrey), Rachelle (Tyson), Makyah, Jackson, Tripp, and Ivy. His great-grandchildren Cooper, Kaytlynn, Kaiden, Layla, Hazel, Helix, Kaden, Kali, Ashlyn, Logan, Ryker, Paizlee, Max, and Zepplin. And his sister, Arnette (Terry) and their children KyRic (Rindee) and Garritt (Ashley) and their families.

In passing, Rick was reunited with his loving mother, father, Linda, Leslie, and many many friends. He saved each and every obituary of every friend he had ever lost and we are sure there was quite a reunion in heaven.

All of his friends are invited to a celebration of life to be held Saturday, January 4, 2020, at 10:00 am at South Mountain Community Church which is located at 3158 East 2000 South, St. George, UT. There will also be a small graveside service on Monday, January 6, 2020, at 1:00 pm in the Bountiful City Cemetery which is located at 2224 S 200 W, Bountiful, UT.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you find someone to serve and show friendship to just as Rick did in his everyday life. Whether it is buying someone dinner, giving them a little extra cash, donating to your favorite cause, or helping out a neighbor.
Help us honor his memory by finding a way to be a friend like Rick.

But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. - 3 John 1:14