Born on January 30, 1941, in Bingham Canyon to Stephen Coulam and Ruby Mae Oleson Richards, he was the first of five children. Known as “Billy” to family and friends, Dad grew up in Millcreek and graduated from Olympus High School before earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting, magna cum laude, from the University of Utah. He remained a devoted lifelong Ute fan from that point on.
On July 10, 1970, he married the love of his life, Kathleen Murray, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, service, and unconditional love.
Dad was a devoted and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He faithfully served and magnified many Church callings, including stake executive secretary and high priests group leader. Dad was called to serve a mission in the Swiss-Austrian Mission from 1960 to 1962, while his father was presiding over the West/Central German Mission.
As the patriarch of our family, Dad took great pride in his heritage as a descendant of Willard Richards. He deeply valued the importance of upholding the family name and taught us to live in ways that honored the legacy and example of those who came before us.
Dad began working at Granite Furniture Company at an early age, where he spent his entire professional career. Known to many as “Steve Jr.,” he cherished the opportunity to work alongside many family members, including his father, brother, cousins, and children, becoming an essential part of the family business and its legacy.
Dad had a deep love for music and was blessed with perfect pitch. He especially loved listening to classical composers such as Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky. He was an accomplished piano player and found great joy in sharing his musical talents throughout his life, including singing in The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square from 1968 through 1976. During that time, he performed throughout Western and Central Europe, Mexico, and at President Nixon’s inauguration.
Outside of work, Dad loved spending time at the lake on his boat. He will always be remembered slaloming across the water on his antique wooden ski, wearing short shorts and showing off his famous white legs. Bear Lake was a special place to Dad-a place where he could leave behind the day-to-day stress of life and relax with family.
He was a true example of unconditional Christlike love and kindness and will be remembered for the love he showed to all those around him. He is also remembered for his warm smile, firm handshake, contagious laugh, and heartfelt hugs. He never spoke negatively about others and genuinely loved and cared for people.
Above all, Dad loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to watch them play sports, skateboard, or cheerlead. Dad was incredibly proud of his children, and nothing brought him more joy than supporting and celebrating his grandchildren.
He is survived by his sweetheart of 55 years, Kathleen; daughter, Angela Richards; sons, Stephen Richards and Christian (Amanda) Richards; eight grandchildren; brother, Robert (Barbara) Richards; and sisters, Alice Stohl, Rebecca (Douglas) Stoker, and Janice (Kevin) Call. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 3, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cottonwood 5th Ward, 5913 S. Highland Drive, Holladay, Utah. Friends may visit with the family from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. A viewing will be held Tuesday evening, June 2, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Cottonwood 5th Ward, 5913 S. Highland Drive.
