Obituary: Philip L. Richards

Philip L. Richards 1917 ~ 2006 Philip L. Richards, beloved father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend passed away peacefully on the morning of January 16, 2006. Although the last four months of his life were filled with health problems, he remained the ultimate optimist as he faced each difficulty. He was born March 17, 1917 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Stephen L Richards and Irene Merrill Richards and was their last surviving child. He married Elma Smith, the love of his life, August 30, 1940 in the Salt Lake Temple. He was preceded in death by his wife Elma, eight brothers and sisters, and a great granddaughter, Abigail Helen Fitch. Phil's greatest joys were found with his family and friends in sharing the things which the Lord had blessed him with. Phil loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and bore testimony of this through the example of his life. His church callings include: Bishopric, Stake Sunday School President, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Temple Preparation teacher. Phil served three missions for the Church: the British Mission where he sang in the Millennial Chorus and later two missions for the Church Employment Services. During World War II he worked as an air traffic controller. He was a former owner of Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary and Modern Teaching Methods. He worked for American Paper and Supply Company, ZCMI and Phoenix Mutual Life. He was a member of the Sugarhouse Rotary and most recently at the age of 86 served as the National President of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers. Being proud that he had 120 family members, he was both their patriarch and social chairman. He served hamburgers at Mount Aire cabin and river fish at Mack's Inn cabin. His family knew that they always came first. He was the perfect example of the "pure love of Christ". He is survived by three sons and four daughters: Philip Smith (Catherine) Richards, Susan (Donald L.) Wright, John L. (Vicki) Richards, Lois (Robert) Powell, Margaret (Stephen W.) Lloyd, Mary (Michael N.) Fitch and Peter M. (Alecia) Richards. Funeral services will he held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 21, 2006 at the Quail Run Chapel, 9245 S. Quail Run Dr. (2360 E). The family will receive friends and family from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2006 at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive and on Saturday at Quail Run Chapel from 9:00 to 10:40 a.m. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.