Wilford Dimond Richards Jr (Dee) was called back to heaven on July 21st, 2023, due to complications of cancer surrounded by his loved ones. Dee was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Wilford Dimond Richards Sr. and Nola Mary Bowler Richards on March 5th, 1947.

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Dee graduated from Bingham high in 1965. He served a mission on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the northern States Mission. Upon returning home, he attended Brigham Young University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in history. He started working at the Family History Library in July of 1972. He always said that his work was more play. He loved it so much he played for 41 years. He married the love of his life, Elva Orel Anderson, on July 28th, 1972.

Dee loved to read, paint, and enjoyed heraldry. He was also accomplished in calligraphy. Dee was a kindhearted, gentle and caring soul who loved to serve the Lord. He held many calling in the church, his favorite being a primary teacher. He was always willing to talk about the gospel and how much it meant to him to know that he will have an eternal family in heaven.

Those that awaited his arrival to heaven are his parents, his grandson Austin Gerald Sims and son-in-law Geoff Lawrence. Dee was an amazing husband, brother, father and friend that will be missed by his wife of 51 years Elva Orel Richards, Brother Douglas (Bonnie) Richards, and his nine children Brenna (Chris) Chamberlain, Josh (Gloria) Richards, Audrey (Gene) Seal, Devon (Justin) Sims, Lynette (Mark) Sodja, Joseph (Malynda) Richards, Eden Lawrence, Emma (Kaleb) Thiemann, and James (Kaci) Richards, also 24 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on July 31st, 2023. Viewing at 10:00 am to 11:45 funeral from 12:00 PM at West Jordan 66th ward building located at 7511 S 2700 W West Jordan UT, 84084. Grave side service will be at West Jordan cemetery located on the corner of 7800 S 1300 W at 1:30 PM.

Services

Viewing

Monday, Jul. 31, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM
The church of latter-day saints chapel
7511 South 2700 West
West Jordan, UT 84084

Funeral Service

Monday, Jul. 31, 2023 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The church of latter-day saints chapel
7511 South 2700 West
West Jordan, UT 84084

Graveside Service

Monday, Jul. 31, 2023 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
West Jordan City Cemetery
7925 South 1300 West
West Jordan, UT 84088

Services Handled By

Affordable Funerals & Cremations - Salt Lake City
4387 South 500 West
Murray, UT

Family

  • Survived By
  • Elva Richards, Spouse

Life Story Info

Post Date

Jul 26, 2023

Personal Info

Age

76
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Guestbook

I enjoyed my association with Dee at the Family History Library over many years. He was always happy and very helpful to all he met. I recently learned of his passing. My wish is that you, his family and friends, will feel the peace of the Savior. May your memories of Dee sustain you as time goes on. Rex Peterson

Rex Peterson Aug 26, 2023

Sorry to hear of Dee passing he was a friend and coworker at family history library. my the lord bless him and his family at this time.

blair , bountiful, UT, US Aug 01, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of Dee's passing. I graduated with Dee from BHS in 1965. He was always friendly and kind. May the Lord bring you comfort and peace at this difficult time.

Deanne Curtis , Riverton, UT, US Jul 28, 2023

Dee was a classmate of mine at Bingham High School and a good friend. May you feel comfort at this time through the memories of his life. Love to the Richards family.

Marianne L. Madrigal , Santa Clara, UT, US Jul 27, 2023

Dee was a classmate of mine at Bingham High School and a good friend. May you feel comfort at this time through the memories of his life. Love to the Richards family.

Marianne L. Madrigal , Santa Clara, UT, US Jul 27, 2023

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