Robert Mark Richards--beloved father, grandfather, brother and son--passed away on January 7, 2020 in Sandy, Utah. Rob was born April 15, 1960 to Lynne and LaMar Richards in Salt Lake City. He attended Skyline High School, where he met and fell in love with the love of his life, Jenni Hunsaker. They were married after high school, and later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Rob and Jenni were the proud parents of 3 wonderful children: Jeremy, Travis, and Candace. His sweetheart Jenni was tragically taken in a car accident in 1990, and Rob has missed her dearly ever since. Anyone who knew Rob, knew how special Jenni was to him. He would talk about her every chance he got, usually working it into every conversation. The happy reunion that took place must have been full of unspeakable joy!
Rob will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather, who was always a true gentleman--even if he was a hilariously goofy one--and a cowboy at heart. He was self-less and kind, always thinking of others before ever giving a single thought to himself. He was a spiritual man and one of the most Christ-like men his children ever knew. He embodied the scripture, “he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.” (D&C 59:23) His grandchildren will always remember their special birthday dates with grandpa. Other friends and family will remember his incredibly sincere and thoughtful notes and cards.
Whether he was hunting or horseback riding, outdoors in the mountains or in the marsh, Rob pursued life with unparalleled passion. Doing a half-way decent job was never good enough for him, he always gave 110% to everything he did. Rob will always be known as an animal lover, with an unmatched ability to work with animals of all kinds. He trained (hundreds of)dogs, from household pets to hunting and guard dogs. He also helped train canine units for the police department and even trained movie-star dogs! Always the entrepreneur, Rob started and successfully ran many small businesses, often running 2 or more simultaneously. Rob also enjoyed working with his hands and was a talented craftsman and artist. He was a skilled
handyman; fixing cars, making repairs, and building things around his house and for his businesses. He found enjoyment in the simple things of life, good conversation with an ice-cold Vanilla Coke in hand!
Rob will be missed beyond measure. May we all take the lyrics to one of his favorite Chris Ledoux songs to heart:
“Sit tall in the saddle; hold your head up high. Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky, and live like you ain’t afraid to die. And don’t be scared, just Enjoy Your Ride.”
Rob is survived by his mother Lynne Richards; his children, Jeremy and Sarah Richards, Travis and Brynn Richards, Candace and Merrill Scott; his grandchildren, Isabelle and Rick Ferguson, Lilianna, Ava and Bentley Richards, Tannon, Grayson and Willow Richards, Jenni, Samson, Charles and Lucy Scott; his great-grandchildren Collins and Bowie Ferguson; his siblings, John and Shauna Richards, Michael and Karrie Richards, Mark and Colleen Richards, Deborah Rienzo, Katherine and Dave Christenson, Michelle and Jeff Lund; his mother and father-in-law Marilyn and Lawry Hunsaker; and many more family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his soulmate, Jenni Hunsaker; his father, LaMar Richards; and two brothers, Steve and David Richards.
There will be an open-house memorial service on Monday January 13th from 12-2 PM at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 S. Highland Drive, SLC). A headstone for Rob will be placed in Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, next to his beloved wife Jenni. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rob’s name to Ducks Unlimited
