Richard Frank Rasmussen
1935 ~ 2007
Richard Frank Rasmussen passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Friday, November 2, 2007, within hours of returning home from traveling. He was 72. A successful businessman, gifted athlete, passionate artist, curious world traveler and devoted family man, Dick spent the last three weeks of his life with his loving wife, Jan, enjoying the sights of Eastern Europe and capturing the beauty of the world in his charming photographs. Affectionately known as "Rass" and "Papa," Dick was born June 21, 1935 to Frank R. and Dorothy Couch Rasmussen in Salt Lake City. In 1953, he graduated from East High School, where he lettered in several varsity sports and was honored as outstanding athlete of the year. He loved sports throughout his life. He attended the University of Utah on a football scholarship and also skied for the U of U ski team. In addition, Dick belonged to the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and was a member of the Utah Air National Guard. He married Jan Jones on November 6, 1959 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dick was president of Rasmussen Equipment Company from 1972 to 2007. He was active in the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) and the Associated General Contractors of Utah (AGC). A talented golfer, he was a member of The Country Club and past president of the Alpine Country Club. A lifelong supporter of U of U athletics, Dick enjoyed traveling with the Crimson Club to support his Utes at the Fiesta Bowl and the Final Four. He and Jan loved touring the world and relished studying the history of diverse cultures. For the past 15 years, Dick has published an annual calendar of his photographs to share his sublime vision of the world with friends, family and business associates.
His photographs, including a stunning shot of New York's World Trade Center taken September 10, 2001, hang in various Salt Lake buildings such as the Salt Lake County Complex, and he donated many fascinating landscape photographs to brighten the hallways at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Dick is survived by his wife Jan, four children, Jody McClain (Roger), Julie Reynolds (Bob) and Richard D. Rasmussen, all of Salt Lake City, and David R. Rasmussen (Heather), Naperville, IL; grandchildren John Rasmussen, Heather and Eric McClain, Alec and Mick Rasmussen and Scott Reynolds, and four step grandchildren; Bobby, Sharee, Jake and Sydney. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and by a sister, Susan.
The family wishes to thank all of Dick's amazing friends for their love and support.
Friends and family are invited to gather Thursday, Nove. 8, from 5-7 p.m. for a Celebration of a Life Well Lived at The Country Club, 2400 Country Club Dr., Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the U of U Athletic Department, 8125 E. South Campus Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 or to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, 500 Huntsman Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108-1235.