Joseph Covey Richards Jr was called home to our Heavenly Father in the early morning of October 25, 2023 at the age of 69. Joe was born to Joseph and JoAnn Richards on May 14th, 1954 in Salt Lake City, UT.
At the young age of 18 months, Joe was diagnosed with Polio, which created challenges throughout his life that he courageously fought and endured to the end. Despite the adversity that Polio brought upon his life, including leaving him with a permanent limp, Joe managed to make the most of his time here transforming his life into an unstoppable adventure-filled journey. He was a man of indomitable spirit and boundless determination, and he made the best of every moment that he shared with his loved ones.
Joe's faith was an integral part of his life. He was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and took great pride in his association with his ward families. His unwavering commitment to his religious beliefs served as a source of strength and guidance, bringing comfort and purpose to his journey.
Among the many chapters of Joe's life, one that stood out as a testament to his unwavering faith and dedication was his service as a missionary in the Scotland/Ireland Mission. Joe embarked on this sacred journey with a heart full of zeal and a desire to share the teachings of the gospel.
Joe maintained a tight knit group of lifelong friends, whose connections were forged in the earliest days of their youth and remained unshakable. Some of these friends had the opportunity to gather together a few weekends ago one last time to share laughter and cherish memories of adventures that spanned decades.
Joe is survived by his four brothers and their families. Spencer (Margret), Scott (Jana), Jonathan (Bridgette), and Daniel (Brandi). Throughout Joe’s life his brothers were genuinely his best friends. He truly cherished his time spent with them, sharing countless memories and experiences that strengthened their brotherhood bond.
Joe’s legacy will continue to live on and burn bright through his three loving children and their families. His son Jason & wife Sara and their children London, Camden, & Brita. His daughter Katie & husband Bryant Gibby and their children Coen, Nora, & Navy. And his youngest son Jeff & partner Morgan Scibetta. His kids were the source of immense pride and joy in his life. His dedication as a father is displayed through the values he instilled in his children and six grandchildren.
Joe cared deeply for his whole extended family, and maintained a great relationship with his previous wife Lori throughout his journey. Lori, alongside their kids, was with him when he passed, and we are forever grateful for her love and compassion.
Without a doubt, Joe’s happy place was his family cabin at Hebgen Lake, Montana. It was at Hebgen where he found his peace and haven, a place where he could truly be himself and revel in the serenity of nature and the great outdoors. Joe’s four-wheeler and his off road vehicles were his faithful companions throughout his time spent in Montana. He would often take off on early morning rides to Lionshead by himself to find a moment of tranquility. It was through these rides and adventures that Joe found profound happiness.
Joe may have skidded across the finish line with a strong limp, a battered esophagus, a few missing ribs, a handful of scars, a labored back, out of power steering fluid, and the check engine light on but his life will forever be a testament to enduring strength of the human spirit and the power of perseverance.
Joe leaves behind a legacy of teachings that include; always stand strong in your beliefs, create unbreakable family bonds, & spend as much time at the cabin as possible :) These lessons will forever be engrained in our hearts.
A viewing will be held at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial viewing center on Thursday, November 2nd from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. (3401 S. Highland Drive. Millcreek, UT 84106.)
A funeral service in honor of Joe will take place at the Brighton 3rd Ward Building, located at 2301 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT, 84121, on Friday, November 3rd at 11:00 am. Prior to the service, a viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 10:45 am. Joe’s family welcomes all who wish to pay their respects and celebrate Joe's life to join them on this day.
We would like to make a special thank you to all hospital staff that assisted Joe and our family in his final moments. As well as Pete Richards and the wonderful staff at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park & Mortuary for their amazing efforts in helping our family through this difficult time.
