Richard Francis Leahy

Richard was born on July 28, 1931, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to William Francis and Diana Leahy. He was the youngest of three children and the only boy. He had many mentors throughout his life that helped him develop into the gentleman he became.

He graduated from East High School, went on to join the Air Force ROTC, and attended the University of Utah. After two years of dating, Richard married his sweetheart Marilyn Newman on September 11, 1952, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together they raised five children, four daughters and one son. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many church callings. He especially enjoyed working with his wife in the Salt Lake Temple.

After graduating in accounting, he was assigned as an auditor for Hill Air Force Base. He then moved on to Standard Oil, Litton, and completed his successful career as CFO of Evans and Sutherland Computer Corporation.

He found joy in fishing and traveling the world with family and friends. Later in life he found a love for the ranching life. But most of all he valued family. He spent a great deal of time with each family member and those memories will be cherished forever. He brought so much joy to our lives and will be greatly missed.

Richard was a great example throughout his life to all he met, especially to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He treated everyone like family and even though he could not see color he made our lives colorful and beautiful. Like his fishing cast, his impact will ripple through generations.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother Diana Slade, sisters Mary Mendenhall and Virginia Jones, brother-in-law Keith Mendenhall, and grandsons Brandon G. Rohde and Steven David Hart.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Marilyn Newman Leahy; children Sandy (Doug) Heiner, Leslie (Paul) Alexander, Ron Leahy, Cheryl (Gary) Rohde, Cookie (Steve) Hart; grandchildren Brad and Liza, Scott and Carlie, Stephen and Angie, Cole and Jaden, Clay, William and Katie, Richard and Whitney, Ashley and Larvin, Lindsay and Dustin, Kami and Austin, Parker and Isury, Zach, Madie and Max; and 18 great grandchildren with three on the way.

We would like to give a special thanks to all the doctors and nurses at St. Mark’s Hospital who helped with his care and for the long hours spent over the past few weeks.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 13, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Due to the restrictions and concerns of gatherings at this time, a private funeral and graveside service will be held for immediate family only. A virtual service will be made available for extended family and friends through www.jenkins-soffe.com.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to all of you for the outpouring of love that we have received at this time.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Shriners Hospital.