Michael Dean Richards

Michael Dean Richards, passed away September 3, 2025 in Las Vegas Nevada surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer. Michael was born August 6, 1947 in Ogden, Utah, and was the first of eight children born to Jack Arthur and Rachel Hope Simmons Richards.

Michael loved education and the change it could make in the lives of students and their families. After graduating Weber High School in 1965, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Eastern Canada from 1966-1968. He went onto study and graduate from Weber State University in 1970. While attending WSU, Michael met his sweetheart, Janice Rae Patterson. They were married on September 10, 1970 in the Logan LDS temple. They both went onto graduate from Utah State University in 1972. While at USU, Michael became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force. Michael served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force from 1972-1979. He concluded his military services, teaching English and Speech at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. While at the Academy, he completed his Ph.D. in 1979 from the University of Denver.

After separating from the Air Force, he returned to USU serving as the Alumni Director.He then moved to Southern Utah University in 1982, where he served as Assistant to the President, Vice President for External Relations, Vice President for External Relations and Technology, as well as Associate Provost. Michael’s roles at SUU meant spending much of his time as their representative with the Utah Legislature. In working with a team of great people, Michael was instrumental in the name change from College of Southern Utah to Southern Utah University. He was also able to successful secure funding for sports programs and building expansion for the campus; including construction for the Centrum. In 2005 he was selected as interim President, and in 2007 selected as the permanent President at the College of Southern Nevada; until his retirement in 2018. During his time at CSN, he oversaw economic travails, strengthening 4 campuses, including an online campus. He saw student body growth to 50,000 students, always stressing academic learning within available resources. He was instrumental in adding a new library at the Charleston campus, Student Services buildings at the 3 residential campuses, as well as a health services building in joint operation with Nevada State University at the Henderson campus.

Michael and his family are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many other positions in the Church, including as Bishop of the Cedar City Utah 8th Ward, Stake Presidency Counselor, and at the end of his life as a Stake Patriarch. He loved attending the temple and serving there as an ordinance worker, and he loved providing blessings to members of the Las Vegas Nevada Blue Diamond Stake.

Michael is survived by his loving wife Janice, daughters Jennifer (Dustin) Stauffer, Alyson (Brad) Clark, Amy (Payton) Nishikawa, Joni (Geoffrey) Howe and Emily Richards. As well as grandchildren Austin (Deni) Stauffer, Ethan Stauffer, Dawson Stauffer, Julie Clark, Carsen Petersen, Ellie Howe, Gwen Howe, Henry Howe, and great grandchildren Thea Stauffer and Finley Stauffer. He is also survived by his 7 siblings, Jane (Kent) Miller, Ann (Bruce) Penske, Judy (Mike) Kacey, Kathy Cribbs, Beth (Perry) Stamey, Jon (Stephanie) Richards and Royce (Maria) Richards.

There will be a viewing on Friday, September 19, from 6 to 8 pm at Palms Southwest Mortuary 7979 W. Warm Springs Rd, Las Vegas. On Saturday, September 20, there will be an additional viewing from 10 to 11 am followed by funeral services at 11 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center, 7885 W. Robindale Rd, Las Vegas. Internment will be at Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the LDS general educational or missionary funds. The family would like to thank all the many caregivers and ward members that assisted in his care.