Obituary: SHORTHILL, RICHARD

Richard Warren Shorthill 1928 ~ 2012Richard Warren Shorthill passed away peacefully Thursday morning at the age of 83. He leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Ellen E. Shorthill, his children David W. Shorthill (Patty) and Ann S Frazier as well as his brother Robert H. Shorthill (Rita). He also leaves behind his five grandchildren; Thomas, David, Christopher, Ruthann and Jeffery and 5 beautiful great-grandkids. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth W. Shorthill.Richard was born December 28, 1928 to Warren and Elizabeth "Pat" Shorthill in Aberdeen Washington, at age 22 he served in the United States Army. He attended Westminster College then transferred to the University of Utah where he earned his PhD in Physics. He taught Physics at the University of Utah as well as Waterford. He received the Benjamin Franklin award for his pioneering work in the field of fiber optics. Richard received numerous other awards and published countless papers and research finding during his career. He also worked with NASA on the Viking program, the Apollo missions to the Moon and the Boeing Company. He had a love for life and treasured his family; he even had a special place in his heart for his loyal kitty, Luna. He and Ellen traveled the world together, to places like China, Russia and Germany, all in the name of research. He also loved to ski; Alta was the "best place on earth!" He was a part of the Wild old Bunch and taught skiing through the Alta ski school, especially enjoying the children's classes he instructed. He was a 56 year member of the Free Masons. The family will receive friends for a viewing, Wednesday August 8, 2012 from 6:00-8:00pm and the Funeral services will be held, Thursday August, 9 starting at 10:00am with the services beginning at 11:00am at Evans and Early Mortuary, 574 East 100 South, Salt Lake City. The Interment will be held at Utah Veterans Memorial Park in Bluffdale at 1:00 PM. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.evans-earlymortuary.com