Richard Forbes

Riverton, UT - Richard Warren Forbes, son of Gordon Byron and Merle Herron Forbes, passed way in Riverton, Utah, surrounded by family on August 31, 2026. He was 87 years old. Richard was born April 27, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Richard graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City and later graduated from Mount San Antonio College in Los Angeles, California, with a degree in Police Science and Administration. He also attended the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sally Renon Forbush, in 1957. Their marriage was later solemnized, and they were sealed to their children in the Salt Lake Temple in 1981. Richard and Sally recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary, marking nearly seven decades of a life built together through family, faith, service, and many wonderful adventures.

Richard was, in every sense of the word, a patriot. He loved his country, cherished its freedoms, flying his United States flag, and proudly served in the Army National Guard. His love of country and respect for service and those who served his country remained important to him throughout his life.

In 1963, Richard began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, where he served for nine years. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1968. He later moved his family to Draper, Utah, where he continued his law enforcement career with the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office. He was soon promoted and worked as Chief Investigator for the Salt Lake County Attorney's Office, retiring in 1997 after 22 years of service.

Richard's love for police and investigative work did not end with retirement. He established his own private investigation agency and continued working on cases, which allowed him to remain involved in a profession he had devoted much of his life to and genuinely loved.

Richard's faith was central to the way he lived his life, and he held numerous positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His missionary service began as a tour guide at Temple Square in Salt Lake City. He and Sally later served in the Edmonton Canada Mission, the Thailand Laos Mission, the Thailand Laos Ward in Salt Lake City, and at the Church Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah as Training Volunteers. Richard loved the gospel of Jesus Christ, spoke often of the Savior, and was deeply grateful for the many blessings the Lord had given him.

More than anything, Richard loved his family. He loved being surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and had a way of making time together fun. His family will remember his warmth, humor, generous compliments, gratitude, and, most of all, his big hugs. He loved to laugh and genuinely enjoyed the people around him.

Richard was always active and interested in something. Throughout his life, he enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, golfing, woodworking, motorcycles, and spending time outdoors. Richard and Sally were blessed to travel to many countries, and those experiences became some of the highlights of their years together.

Richard is survived by his wife, Sally Renon Forbush; his children, Cindy Lynn Whipperman and her husband, Steve; Michael Curtis Forbes and his wife, Melanie; Daniel Paul Forbes and his wife, Teri; Sherri Ann Anderson and her husband, Darin; Mindi Jane Pupunu and her husband, Al; and James Arthur Forbes and his wife, Lindsey; as well as 26 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren.

Viewing and funeral services for Richard will be held on Tuesday, September 8, at the LDS Chapel located at 12070 South Laurel Chase Drive, Riverton, Utah. The viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 noon. Interment will take place at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, 3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah.