Karen and family:

I am so sorry to hear this news . My deepest sympathy and thoughts go out to you.  May you always keep your memories close to your heart.

Dear Karen, after every Xerox meeting and fishing trip with Rich, I went home with several new Cornia stories to share with others and every story was funny. And for those who really knew him, Rich was not just the life of the party or meeting, but he was a genius at getting to what was right or wrong and the next steps to be taken.
It has been a year since Rich passed and there is not a week that goes by when i don't recall times we spent together and there is never a conversation that I have with ex-Xeroids that Rich is not discussed - always with praise.
I know the entire Cornia family misses Rich, but you should all know that everyone who was blessed to spend any time with him, also feels the loss.
Gary Garndmaison

Dear Karen, RJ & Brad:
Little did I know that when I started working at Xerox I would have the opportunity to work with Rich for 21+ years.  Looking back I started working as Rich's administrative assistant in 1986, the same year Raymond and I got married.  At first I was scared to death of Rich.  He was the man that always seemed grumpy and would stomp down the hall and slam his office door.  A few years later Rich asked me to change positions and work for him in the Agent Channel.  I was flattered by the offer but couldn't commit.  Rich then put his selling skills into action and I finally took the offer to make the move with him.  Later he told me I was his hardest sale.  However, I then had to go into his office and tell him he wouldn't want me to work for him because I was pregnant.  His face was priceless as he took a real deep breathe and said, “we can work through this.”  As the years went by I followed Rich in every position he held at Xerox.   I saw first-hand his marketing expertise put into action, his dedication, his concern for his employees and his passion for the business and passion to succeed.  He was truly a “one-of-a-kind” person.  Rich was always the life of any meeting, gathering or party.  He could tell a story like no one else.  I remember laughing so hard at times my stomach would hurt.   Answering the phone for Rich for 21+ years, I had the opportunity to talk to so many of Rich's business associates and friends.  Rich was a “best friend” to so many people and he touched each one individually in a very special way.     
There are so many priceless memories that I will always cherish.  I remember going to your house on Lakeline with my family to wish Rich a happy birthday and give him a cake.   I can see Karen cutting cake for the kids and Rich would be on the floor with a dog biscuit in his mouth teaching my kids how to feed Ziggy his treats.  (RJ was probably laughing and Brad was probably embarrassed).  Little to say my kids have never forgot this.  They then realized Rich wasn't just Mom's boss, but a friend.   Another funny event was going to deliver Christmas goodies to the family and getting stuck going down the slippery driveway off Holladay Blvd because the FedEx truck was stuck in front of me.  What an eventful evening waiting for the tow truck while Karen & Rich are feeding my kids the goodies we brought for them.  My kids loved it and this added to the sweet memories, kindness and friendship.  And then when I broke my leg, Rich came to my house every day to drive me to work.  Not many bosses would do that.  
Throughout all these years a true friendship was developed not only with Rich but also with his family.  Rich and I had many opportunities to talk about work, family and life in general and I know how much he loved his family.  I feel so blessed and fortunate to have worked with Rich for so many years.  He taught me so much and I appreciate your family for sharing him with me.  As you know, he was more than a boss, he was a father figure to me and I looked up to him for advice and guidance.  He was taken from us way too soon and I will miss him more than anyone can imagine.  Karen, RJ and Brad, my thoughts and prayers are with you always.  
Much Love,
Sue Purcell

Dear Karen, RJ & Brad:
Little did I know that when I started working at Xerox I would have the opportunity to work with Rich for 21+ years.  Looking back I started working as Rich's administrative assistant in 1986, the same year Raymond and I got married.  At first I was scared to death of Rich.  He was the man that always seemed grumpy and would stomp down the hall and slam his office door.  A few years later Rich asked me to change positions and work for him in the Agent Channel.  I was flattered by the offer but couldn't commit.  Rich then put his selling skills into action and I finally took the offer to make the move with him.  Later he told me I was his hardest sale.  However, I then had to go into his office and tell him he wouldn't want me to work for him because I was pregnant.  His face was priceless as he took a real deep breathe and said, “we can work through this.”  As the years went by I followed Rich in every position he held at Xerox.   I saw first-hand his marketing expertise put into action, his dedication, his concern for his employees and his passion for the business and passion to succeed.  He was truly a “one-of-a-kind” person.  Rich was always the life of any meeting, gathering or party.  He could tell a story like no one else.  I remember laughing so hard at times my stomach would hurt.   Answering the phone for Rich for 21+ years, I had the opportunity to talk to so many of Rich's business associates and friends.  Rich was a “best friend” to so many people and he touched each one individually in a very special way. 
    
There are so many priceless memories that I will always cherish.  I remember going to your house on Lakeline with my family to wish Rich a happy birthday and give him a cake.   I can see Karen cutting cake for the kids and Rich would be on the floor with a dog biscuit in his mouth teaching my kids how to feed Ziggy his treats.  (RJ was probably laughing and Brad was probably embarrassed).  Little to say my kids have never forgot this.  They then realized Rich wasn't just Mom's boss, but a friend.   Another funny event was going to deliver Christmas goodies to the family and getting stuck going down the slippery driveway off Holladay Blvd because the FedEx truck was stuck in front of me.  What an eventful evening waiting for the tow truck while Karen & Rich are feeding my kids the goodies we brought for them.  My kids loved it and this added to the sweet memories, kindness and friendship.  And then when I broke my leg, Rich came to my house every day to drive me to work.  Not many bosses would do that.  

Throughout all these years a true friendship was developed not only with Rich but also with his family.  Rich and I had many opportunities to talk about work, family and life in general and I know how much he loved his family. I feel so blessed and fortunate to have worked with Rich for so many years.  He taught me so much and I appreciate your family for sharing him with me.  As you know, he was more than a boss, he was a father figure to me and I looked up to him for advice and guidance.  He was taken from us way too soon and I will miss him more than anyone can imagine.  Karen, RJ and Brad, my thoughts and prayers are with you always.  

Much Love,
Sue Purcell

Karen, Brad, and RJ.  Bart and I will so miss Rich - He was truly a huge influence in my career with "X" as well as personally.  He advised me SO many times on issues with the sales staff and how to better handle my frustrations. He had to tell me on many occasions "don't forget, Fol'g, there are 2 sides to the story....be sure to get them both before you walk off that cliff.....

 He guided me toward better positions with Xerox until I was able to go into sales and as a result able to retire ten years earlier than I would have.  We all felt like more of a family than a group of employees.  I honestly have never talked with anyone who has said anything negative about Rich.  Comments are always about what a great person he was and how much fun he was.  

It was SUCH an honor to spend time with you two in Jackson Hole last summer - He was truly in his best form. Karen, as we have all said many times - You were his BEST "straight man!"   

You should all feel so proud of all of the messages I have read here - the entire content is so perfect.  He certainly had a way of making everyone feel that they had a special relationship with him.  He was a very special, gifted man.

Karen, Brad, RJ and families,  I'm sorry to not make the memorial for Richard.  I'm still in shock, since we spoke on 8-2 just before heading to Montana with Huggie and team.  He was a great friend and will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched with his humor, business saavy, and fine fishing skills.  Willie Osterman

I will miss my very good friend Rich.  Our occasional phone conversations were entertaining yet deeply personal at times. I came to know how important his family was in his life.  He was always so complimentary toward  Karen. 
 It was fun to discuss politics, fly-fishing, the market, investments or what Xerox needed to do to make it a better Company.  It was insightful to hear “behind the scenes” stories of what was going at Xerox during some new management initiative.  Rich cared so much about Xerox and the people who he worked with.  I have my own story of the tremendous character he showed dealing with my departure from Xerox.  I will always remember how he consistently conducted himself with dignity and showed tremendous caring for his employees who were many times also close friends.
I will miss our phone calls, I will miss our lunches and I will miss his slight smile while volunteering his advice.  Rich gave me insight into myself 20 years ago that still resonates with me today.  I remember his exact words and think of his advice often.  It was life changing for me.  I don't know a better way to honor this man's memory than to treasure and pass on his influence to the people I love.
I like this quote when thinking of Rich.

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.
Oscar Wilde

Rich lived with gusto!
Michael Miller

Rich was such a pleasure to work along side.  He taught me and others lessons that have stayed with us.  I loved his humor and yet his great ability to be serious when the situation called for it. The great trips that Shauna and I shared with you,Karen and  Rich were outstanding.  It seemed like every month we went on another trip due largely to Rich's management. I enjoyed the one-on-one lunches where we talked about more serious issues.  Your names came up every time as he loves each of you very much. Rich lives on and the great thing is that we all will see him in the future.  Karen, RJ and Brad you certainly have a wonderful family.  May you be blessed to be closer and closer.  Randy Orison

Dear Karen, Brad and RJ, 
I admired and respected Rich tremendously.  I worked for Rich as his secretary in the early 1980's. A fond memory as his secretary was when he was out of town on a business trip I decided he needed his files organized so I created an alphabetical system (seemed logical right?) with typed file folder labels and everything all neat and tidy.  When Rich returned from his trip I was so excited to have him tell me how great his filing system was.  As I waited patiently at my desk, I suddenly heard "CIN!" from his office.  As I walked in Rich was looking at his files completely lost and said he couldn't find a damn thing.  We laughed hysterically at my attempt to help him get organized. 
 
Rich changed my life.  While I was working for him I received an offer to leave Xerox.  I went into Rich's office to give my resignation and Rich said no.  He said you are not leaving Xerox and if you still feel this way in a year then fine. I went on to work for Xerox another 15 years and loved it.  

Rich was one of a kind and his laughter was contagious. The way he told a story or recited an incident was unique and always fun.  I will always treasure my experiences working for Rich, his insight and his wisdom.   He will be truly missed.

Karen and family: When Rich left his top level assignment over the Xerox Agent Channel prior to his retirement, many of us knew we had lost a singular leader and trusted confidant that could not be replaced. Now, years later, it has proven to be even more accurate than we surmised. I will ever be grateful for Rich's honesty and for giving me career changing advice that ended up rewarding me many times over. My deepest condolences to the family.

Rich's unique and contagious laughter will stay with me forever.  He could turn a mundane story into a side-splitting adventure! Our paths crossed quite often during Xerox days and beyond, particularly during trips to JimCote's place in Montana for reunions.   Seeing and hearing Rich was the highlight of any gathering. He blessed his friends with his kindness, friendship and gregarious personality, as I am sure he did the same for his family.  You as a family were so fortunate to have such a good man in your lives.
Tom Barry
Huntington Beach,Ca.

Dearest Karen, Brad, R.J. and family,

What a tribute.  It was touching, heart felt, and of course "hysterical", as he would have so eloquently said.  What a priveledge it has been for us to be part of your lives for so many memorable years.  Karen, he adored you, and always told me "Karen is my life!"  (He did get serious with me a few times.)  There is a huge hole in our hearts that will be impossible to fill. 
We love you, and we'll be in touch very soon.

I had the privilege of working with Rich many years ago at Xerox.  He was not only successful and great at his job but brought joy and happiness to every single meeting or encounter we ever had.  It was a unique team at the time of Rich, Larry Smart, Jim Fontenella, Jim Uffelman and Danny Powell to name a few.  It was a year when we all worked hard but shared so many laughs along the way thanks to Rich.  Not only was Rich smart and great at his job but just in speaking to a number of Xerox friends they would say, "you know Rich changed my life, he really was my biggest mentor throughout my career at Xerox in so many wonderful ways."  Such a lovely tribute to one's life.  My sincerest condolences go out to you Karen, Brad, RJ and your entire families which I know were Rich's proudest joy. Although sad to loose someone so special, know that he lived a life that enriched so many people's lives with laughter, care and love.

Karen, Brad, RJ, and extended family,
The sweet big hearted and funny man that Richard was is how we will always remember him. He will be so missed by so many people. You did him justice with such a loving tribute. Karen, may you find a little comfort in the many memories you've shared.  Our last time spent with him was on the 4rth of July at the Canyons. Oddly it was almost prophetic what a wide variety of topics we talked about, very reflective and honest and colorful in that unique Cornia style. Though he is sadly gone from our physical lives, I feel a little smile in conjuring a mental image of him hanging out unencumbered by pain and making all the angels laugh. 
Elvia and Gary Hennings

Karen, Brad and RJ,

My deepest condolences on the loss of your father and husband and my favorite uncle, and from whom my middle name comes.  I carry it proudly and am thankful for that connection among many others.

As I said in a Facebook post expressing condolences  there, my favorite memory of Richard is when they were teaching me to water ski.  He and Rob had this great idea to have Richard hold the rope instead of tying it to the boat, and tying the other end to the bar holding the skis together.  This was great until I fell down and Richard was supposed to let go of the rope.  I'm sure it was only a few seconds but as a young kid it felt like forever being dragged by the feet still in the skis, water rushing into my nose, you get the idea.  When I got to the boat I was understandably angry, which only brought out more of that great guttural laugh.

I've always believed that part of keeping our loved ones around means thinking of them often after they've passed, perhaps allowing them to be with us for a brief time and see things through our eyes, and I look forward to remembering him frequently and thinking about the times I was able to share with him.

He was a great role model, a great uncle, and I'm sure a great husband and dad, and I miss him dearly already.

Karen 
I was so surprised to hear of Richard's passing.  He was a good friend when we were young and so much fun! My heart goes out to you and your family.  I will always remember him and his bright wit and exceptionally funny personality. You can be proud of him in so many ways.  I can't believe how many people cared about him.  He was a people magnet! May the Lord bless you and keep you until you are with him again.  
Barbara Cullimore Jones

Karen, Brad, and RJ, 

You have our greatest sympathy during this most difficult time.  The times we shared with you in SF and on Xerox trips will never be forgotten.

As the Great Grando said, Rich was "one of a kind". As a friend and peer of  Rich, it always seemed like we were playing second fiddle to his success and his marketing creativity.  He could get away with saying things the rest of us could not, due to his wit, confidence, and lack of concern for what others thought. We were always chasing him despite the fact that he always had "ridiculous budgets" to achieve in such a small SLC market.
I spoke with Rich regurlarly and will forever miss picking up the phone and hearing: "Uff, Cornia"
We are looking to celebrating him on Monday.

Jim and Terry Uffelman

Karen
So sad to hear about your loss.  It made me think of the good old days when we were all so young and full of life and had our whole life before us, now years later we have come to realize how precious all our moments are.  May you always treasure the memories you shared together.  Take care and may the good Lord bless you in your time of grieve.  Friends forever.

Mike 
Fessler

There are only a few people in life whose judgment you trust, who you can turn too for guidance.  Rich, was that person for me.  He was a mentor and a friend.  I will miss him.  I will miss his advice and the stories he told that always made me laugh.

Karen,
We always looked forward to time with the Cornias.  You're both so much fun to be with...nobody could make us laugh like Rich.  Our thoughts are with you and your family.  We know there will be as much laughter as tears as you remember and try to move on.
Big hugs to all,
John and Ilauna Gurr

Dear Karen , RJ and Brad 
 We talked every week and sometimes 2 and 3 times a week . Most of the time we spent laughing about the crazy things we did together over the past 25+ years but every called ended the same way , about our Families . Karen he  loved you  so much! RJ , Brad and  grandkids, you were his reason for living 
I am really going to miss him.

Rich was more than a mentor to me. He provided me with the vision of what could be. He expected to be #1 and had expectations and agreements with me and his people to be their very best. He was a voice a reason and held people and their interests ahead of his own. My private chats with him inspired me to reach my potential. It is so difficult to respond to all of his impact on me both personally and professionally. He will be so missed by me and everyone who had the privilege to know him. Rich was one of my role models. Love to him and his family. Warmest Regards, Jay

Karen and Family our thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time. I have known Rich for almost forty years. I first got to know Rich in his early years with Xerox when you were living in Las Vegas. He was a "piece of work". We worked together for many years.
He was one of the most talented people around. He rose thru many assignments---always excelling. A great leader, motivator and mentor to many. People delighted in working for him and with him. He was a dedicated husband and father.
He was a raconteur of the first order.  A poker player nonpareil and he always told me what a great fisherman he was. Even through we had not  worked together for years the phone would ring and he'd say "Cornia here" and I would "strap in" for a long conversation filled with laughter and irreverence. Of the many memories with Rich a couple stand out. Once I walked into his SLC office unexpectedly and his desk was covered with fishing flies that he was tying for an upcoming  fishing trip with  Jim Huggins. The second was several of us playing poker in a hotel in Salt Lake with one very senior company executive who thought he knew how to play. Rich taught him a lesson/cleaned him out as only he could do. 
Karen, Darra and I cherish that you and Rich were a part of our lives. Our lasting memory is many years ago when we both ended up at the same hotel in Hawaii and spent the evening together laughing until we had tears in our eyes. 

We are not able to be there on Monday but will be in spirit. We remember Rich as being the BEST

Karen, when you are ready, we look forward to having you back at Red Hills.  Our deepest sympathy to you and your family as you go through this difficult time.  You have our prayers and thoughts.  Linda Cannon, Red Hills neighbors and the Goddesses.

Karen, you and your Family are in our thoughts and Prayers. 
Your Friends at Red Hills in Vegas
Linda &Curtis

Rich has been great friend and confidant ever since I worked for him in Xerox.  He has incredible sense of humuor and smarts to go with it.  I am shocked and saddended by the news.  I will cherish the moments that I worked with him and the many wonderful people I met thru Rich when he was VP of Agent Channel in Salt Lake City.  I remember his great smile and uncanny wit and surely miss the invaluable life lessons he used to share with me.  My deepest condolences to you and your family..

We love the Cornia,s!  Laughter was never an issue when Richard was around.  I feel a void and a loss but definitely much joy he brought us.

The volume just went down 10 decimals.  We love you Karen and hope to see more of you.

Love you lots,  Dave and Kris Kimball

Like all of Rich's many friends I have great memories of my time with him. 
He had a great way of telling a story. The way he told a  joke made you laugh, even if you had heard him tell it five times before. 
Rich was respected by everyone and was a leader among his peers. At Xerox, Rich complained about his large budget and how difficult and small the SLC market was. Then, he and his team would go out and overachieve and win every contest. 
After I left the company, Rich and I stayed in touch for 24 years. In the early years, we talked about Rich's solution for all of Xerox's issues.  After his retirement, I teased him about his new role as assistant to Judge Judy and Dr Phil. For a person I have not seen in many years I always felt connected to him. I knew if I needed help, I could count on Rich. I will miss his many fishing stories and how Huggins "made him" go to some "godforsaken place" that no one one in their right mind would go. 
I will miss our phone calls greatly. Rich was a great person and friend.

To my good friend, mentor and confidant, I will miss our conversations, lunches and especially the levity you brought to my life.  I will miss you but I am comforted to know that you are safe and in loving arms.  Karen and family, I am so very sorry for your loss - they broke the mold after Rich and I hope you will find comfort knowing that his legacy of storytelling and laughter will live on forever.  My deepest condolences.
Bryan Morris

Dear Karen & Family ~ I can see him coming down the hall towards me...and I always knew it was going to be another hysterical moment in my life! Friends and peers for 30 years, I cannot count the number of times we laughed, joked, got in trouble, but he always delivered the best the company could expect and more. He delighted in 'punking' me by calling as a very disgruntled customer, only to let me out of my state of panic with a smooth, "Hillman, it's me!" He was the best of the best. He loved his work and his friends. He helped me in times I didn't even know I needed help.  Rich was there for his people. Loyal - a rarity today. May your family be blessed with some peace in this tremendous loss. We will all remember him as the cream of the crop and an amazing friend.

Karen, Rich was one of the greatest guys ever!  He could bring humor to any situation and his quick wit paralyzed many a meeting with everyone roiling in laughter. He had the biggest heart of anyone I knew, caring for all those under his watch.  He saw the value in the little things in life that many of us just let pass by.  Here is a a great fishing pic with Rich "on the Green" doing what he loved best.  I was blessed to know him.  

Ron Huggins

Karen,

Rich was such a great conversationalist; quick wit and wonderful friend.  He will be missed by so many.  I have attached one photo from our St. George trip several months ago.  Rich had us all laughing to the point our sides hurt.  We will all miss him terrribly.

Karen, Rich WAS one of a kind and effected positively everyone he dealt with. His quick wit made it impossible for anyone to verbally joust with him and for me, it was fun to watch the show whether it took place in a Xerox meeting or out fishing ...in fact the best thing about fishing with Rich, was the entertainment he provided.
Circumstances prevent me from coming to Salt Lake, but I will be thinking of Rich all day on Monday and I will be saying special prayers for you and your family.
Gary Grandmaison

I have known Rich and Karen for over 40 years...first I worked for him at Xerox Corporation for 2 years and then continued our friendship over the years...he was a very good family friend , with a great sense of humor , kind and generous, always willing to offer advice when asked.
He loved to talk about his kids and grandchildren and about living life to its fullest...which he certainly did that everyday of his life..my wife and I will miss him sorely...and miss his frequent visits to Las Vegas.
Our condolences to Karen and the family..

Dear Karen and family, my heart goes out to all of you.  Rich was my Manager for several years and he has always been a highlight as we share times of the great past.  He worked hard and always took time to join the team when we had an opportunity to have a laugh and some fun.  He was a wonderful Manager and Man and I will always remember him with a smile.... My Deepest Condolences.

Dear Karen & Family, Having spent my whole college social life with Rich was one of the highlights of my life. We laughed and laughed, played jokes, sang songs (Workin in a Coal Mine), danced, chased girls and had an absolute blast. He was the best! He would draw crowds in the Beta house and everywhere we went. We forged a friendship that didn't call for weekly contact or regular connects. Our bond will last forever. My love to his family and friends.

Brad and Adrienne,
It is always hard to say goodbye to a loved one.  I am so sorry for your loss.

Love you,

Suzanne Crockett

Dear Karen, Brad and family, I am so sad to hear of Rich's passing. He was such a joy to be around and was always kind. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

So sorry to hear of Rich's passing.  He was such a great friend to my Dad (Scott Holbrook) and I will always remember his amazing sense of humor.  Two wonderful men gone far too soon!  Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Karen and family, 
Thinking of you all at this difficult time. I remember Rich with such positive fond memeories. He made our team laugh and smile everyday and he was such a quality leader that made such a difference to every Xerox team he led and was a part of. God Bless you.

How sad we are to part with our dear Richard.  He was a very happy guy and would light up the room where ever he went. He will be missed.

Karen and family I was so sorry to hear about Richard. It is always such a loss to loose a loved one. My heart goes out to you and your family. May God be with you and your family and bring you comfort at this time of loss.
May Richard rest in peace.

Karen, Brad & Adrienne,

I am so sorry to hear of Richard's passing.  I will ALWAYS remember what a funny man he was.  He always had a smile on his face and made every occassion one to celebrate.  My thoughts are with your family at this time.  Love to each and every one of you.

Dear Karen and Family,
I am saddened by Richard's passing and am so thankful for the reconnecting we were able to do the last few years.  I will miss those big hugs from my cousin, Richard,  until we meet again.  My love to you Karen and to your family.

Carol Jean Anderson Yeager

Intelligent, professional, excellent values, quick wit. I never left a conversation with Rich without a smile on my face.

I worked for Rich for a number of hears.  He was a great boss, understood people, and was a fun guy.  We could use more people like him.

Karen and Family, love and light to all of you at this time.

Karen & Family,
     He was the best of of the best.   He was my bud with a sense of humor that would put you on the floor.    I will miss our telephone conversations and all our family reunions with him.
I just am so devastated by his passing, but now he can watch over all of us.
My very deepest condolences.
    Cousin, Madeline Pappas

Never to be forgotten, lived life to its fullest and never looked back.  Rich, you were truly a unique individual filled with life and a kind heart.
M. Boehme

My condolences to all of the family.  Rich, was a good friend and always full of good humor.  Many phone calls will always be remembered.  He was one of a kind and loved life.
Jim brown

OBITUARY

Richard Cornia

November 21, 1946 – August 16, 2013

Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary

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