Claude Richards
1915 ~ 2007
After creating a glorious legacy of hard work and devotion to family, our loving, gentle and treasured Dad, Grandfather, Great-Grand father, Brother, Uncle and Friend passed away peacefully on December 24, 2007 in Sun City, Arizona. Claude was the youngest son of eight children born to Susan Maude Matheson and Charles Leech Richards on December 23, 1915 in Logan, Utah. The family later relocated to Pocatello, ID and then to Salt Lake City, where Claude graduated from East High School excelling in track and field sports, emulating his uncle, Alma Richards, the U.S. Gold Medalist in the 1912 Olympics.
During his youth, Claude took a job with Creameries of America, assisting milk truck drivers with their deliveries. This beginning would eventually culminate in a long and illustrious career of 45 years, beginning as a route driver and retiring in 1981 as Vice President of Far East and South East Asia Dairy and Beverage Operations.
Claude held various positions with Arden Dairy and Meadow Gold Dairy, where for many years he was responsible for the selection of celebrity talent for the Utah State Fair's Kids' Days, including Duncan Renaldo "The Cisco Kid"; Leo Carillo "Pancho"; The Lennon Sisters; Michael Ansara "Cochise", and his wife Barbara Eden. Claude also appeared at many business grand openings and promotions as "Mr. Meadow Gold." Claude was a dedicated and loyal employee with strong work ethics and integrity; all qualities he stressed in raising his family. During his 10 years in the Far East, he traveled extensively through many nations, in both industrial and rural areas, supervising the creation and successful operations of many dairy-related subsidiaries.
His travel stories and souvenirs were cherished by all who were fortunate to receive them.
As a young man, he met his precious Iris Lillian Hansen, and they were married June 1, 1940. In Salt Lake City they made their home and raised three children. In 1968, Claude's work relocated them to Sun City, Arizona where they remained. Iris passed away in July, 2006.
Claude is survived by his "3T's": Tonia (the late Stan) Hutton of Bellingham, WA; Trudi (Steve) Rose of Salt Lake City, UT; and Terry (Judy) Richards of Meridian, ID and sisters Betty Cahoon and Thelma Frazier. Claude and Iris were the proud grandparents of seven grandsons and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Iris; brothers and sisters, Keith, Matt, Veda, Beth, and Helen.
All who knew Claude recognized a man of serious demeanor but one with a generous and caring nature and a loving heart. We love you Dad and rest assured your legacy will live on through us all.
A special Thank You from the family to Claude's many caregivers at Heritage Regency Assisted Living, and to LouAnn Arvonen, of GAMS, who was especially kind and caring to our father. Our gratitude and appreciation are expressed to his faithful friend, Manuel Rodriguez. We are forever grateful.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Myers Mortuary Chapel, 205 S. 100 E., Brigham City, UT. Friends may call on Thursday from 1-1:45 p.m. at the Mortuary. Interment will follow in the Brigham City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com