Live stream of the funeral: https://www.youtube.com/@LaytonUtahKaysCreekStake

Richard Glendon Tholen, age 93, passed away on June 12, 2023 from causes incident to age.

Richard was born on February 15, 1930, to Carl and Mamie Tholen at the Cottonwood Maternity Home in Murray, UT. Known as Dick throughout his life, he graduated from South High School in Salt Lake City in 1947 and explored a few educational options before accepting a call to serve in the New England States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Following his mission Dick served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington.

While in the army, Dick was introduced to Faye Farnsworth who worked with Wes Boyle, Dick’s former Young Men’s Leader. After months of letter writing and during the third time he visited her on leave in Utah, they married on November 30, 1953 and immediately drove back to Fort Lewis to begin life as husband and wife.  Dick and Faye went on to have seven children, one daughter and six sons.

When they returned to Salt Lake City, Dick studied architecture at the University of Utah.

In 1961, he joined Snedaker & Budd Architects, and seven years later, accepted a position at the Utah State Building Board (later Division of Facilities Construction & Management), where over the next 25 years he worked with government agencies including state universities, State Parks, Wildlife Resources, and Social Services, and on renovations of historic buildings including the Governor’s Mansion and the State Capitol building.

After retirement, Dick served multiple architectural service missions. He and Faye served in Samoa, and then he served on the construction of the Conference Center, and later the Heber Valley Camp.

Dick was dedicated to his family and the Lord. He served as Elder’s Quorum President, as counselor in a Bishopric, high councilor, and as Bishop. Additionally, as the father of six sons, it was only natural that he served in the scouting organization leading scouts of all ages and ranks to accomplish their goals.

Dick’s quick wit and dry sense of humor were a hallmark of his life, along with his ability to quietly observe and then serve.  He was a consummate gentleman and always treated others with the utmost kindness and respect. He loved time in nature camping, hiking or bicycling, and was very knowledgeable about wild flowers, wildlife, geology and astronomy. He shared his knowledge and passion about rocks, birds, and stars with his family, scouts, and friends.  Dick was an artist and craftsman who spent his spare time painting, sculpting, and building. He built four homes as well as furniture such as chairs, tables, and bed benches. He also restored a number of beautiful antiques including a mantel clock and an upright grand piano originally belonging to his parents.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Mamie, and siblings Margaret, Sterling, Beverly, infant boy, Edsel, and Raymond. He leaves behind his wife Faye Farnsworth Tholen, seven children, Debora Escalante, Eric (Debby), Stuart (Shelley), Jon (Holly), Michael (Natalie), Trent (Noel), Tyler (Michelle), 30 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at the Kays Creek Stake Center (2680 East Cherry Lane, Layton) on Friday June 16, at 11:00 am, with a viewing Thursday evening, June 15, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, and Friday morning at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at the Bountiful City Cemetery (2224 S 200 W, Bountiful). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Missionary department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dementia research, a bird sanctuary, or other charity.