Richard Armstrong Sweet

The Lord allotted Richard a long, varied, happy, and contributing life. He was born May 13, 1926 in Salt Lake City to Victor W. and Florence Armstrong Sweet. As a youth, he skied the “U” mountain, maintained a major magazine route, played the saxophone in a band, built and drove dirt-track racers, and participated in scouting. He traveled with his parents to four World's Fairs across the United States.

Richard attended Wasatch Elementary, Bryant Junior High, and East High School in 1941. Because of the onset of World War II, dual enrollment was instituted and he entered the University of Utah at the age of 16. While there, he was a member of the Lambda Delta Sigma, Circulation Manager of the Chronicle Daily Newspaper, and the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

At age 17, he volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and served primarily as a marlariologist in the Philippine Islands. Upon discharge, he stayed in the Reserves, and was recalled for the Korean Conflict at which time he accepted a direct commission in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was recalled for the Berlin Crisis and eventually retired at the rank of Major in the Medical Service Corps. He also authored “A History of the 144th Evacuation Hospital.”

Following World War II service, Richard returned to the “U” to study zoology. He received recognition by the 28th Utah State Legislature for his contribution to education on alcoholism and was selected to membership in the Phi Sigma Honorary Biological Society. He was elected president of Beta Theta Pi. During the summers, he worked in the coal fields of Carbon County.

Richard graduated from the “U” as a zoologist with a minor in business in 1949.

While waiting in the student registration line, he met his eternal companion to be, Carlyn Smart. They were married on September 1, 1950 in Beverly Hills, California. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Richard worked for the Utah State Health Department for over 28 years as an environmental health scientist. His main effort was to assist in the formation of the local health departments and to train their personnel. During his 28 year tenure, he served as president of the Utah Environmental Health Association, was recipient of its Picket-Webb Memorial Award, and was given the prestigious National Environmental Health Association’s National Merit Award. He also served as president of the Utah Public Health Association receiving their Theodore Bruce Beatty Award—“the highest award given in Utah for achievement in public health.”

Richard and Carlyn were elected joint chairmen of Legislative District #32 of the Republican Party.

Richard was an ardent outdoorsman enjoying camping, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of the Salt Lake Gun Club, a member of the Board of Directors of the Lake Front Duck Club for 23 years, and a member of the New State Gun Club. He was also a par golfer.

Richard was a stalwart member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many diverse callings. He and Carlyn served a two-year mission in the Salt Lake North Mission at Pioneer Park in Lagoon.

Special thanks is extended to Dr. Matthew Hansen, to the staff of the Cardiac Rehabilitation at St. Marks Hospital, and to the attending personnel of the Harmony Home Care and Hospice who made it possible for Richard to remain at home.

Richard is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carlyn Smart Sweet, his children: Marin S. Budge, Salt Lake City, Col. (retired) Michael S. Sweet (Vicky) of Saint Anthony, Idaho, and Stacey S. (David) Campbell of Phoenix, Arizona, 12 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 11:00 am.

at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Valley View Tenth Ward

2000 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, Utah

Friends may call at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.