Richard R Jensen

Richard Ronald “Dick” Jensen returned home on March 10, 2016 following a valiant battle with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). Dick was born November 17, 1935 in San Diego, CA to Ronald C. Jensen and Helen A. Mills along with his twin brother Robert (Bob). He attended Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. He married his college sweetheart, Marion Gerda Stout 59 years ago. They were sealed in the Logan Temple.

Dick enjoyed his many interests and hobbies: camping, fishing, golf, scuba diving, swimming, waterskiing, water color painting, jewelry design, woodworking, home remodeling, and a particular passion for building and flying radio controlled model airplanes. He always had multiple projects ongoing.

In his many years of service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he particularly enjoyed his years leading young men as Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, and Explorer Leader. He was a leader of young men wherever he lived; from Price, Utah, to Morris Plains, NJ, to Holladay and Sandy, UT. His Troop 342 was twice honored as being one of the Top 50 Scout Troops worldwide. During a period of time, every young man in the Troop attained the rank of Eagle Scout! He also served as an Instructor, High Priest Group Leader, Sunday School President, Prison missionary, and Temple Worker.

Professionally, Dick was a design engineer who helped to pioneer Missile technology in the early 1960’s and was associated with the original seven Mercury astronauts. Later in his career, he was involved in environmental protection efforts in the mining and refining industry.

Growing up in Southern California, he enjoyed many wonderful experiences: riding and showing matched horses with his twin brother; having the opportunity to ride horses in parades with the Cisco Kid, and taking riding lessons with Elizabeth Taylor as she trained for her role in National Velvet. One of his favorite memories of his early life was learning to Springboard Dive with John Wayne. He was also an avid skin diver and fisherman.

Dick also loved his pets; several Tommies (all of his cats) and a variety of dogs – Angel, Sam, Gus, Punkin, Rowdy, Freddy, Gusser, Bubbles and Riley.

Dick is survived by his wife, Marion; two sons, Richard R. Jr “Rick” (Pamela), and Karl D. (Wendy); eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and twin brother.

Services will be held Friday, March 18, 2016 at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary at 11:00. The family will receive friends Thursday evening March 17, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and from 10:00 to 10:45 on Friday morning. Interment will be immediately following the services at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration:

AFTD

Radnor Station Building 2, Suite 320

290 King of Prussia Road

Radnor, PA 19087