Richard Truman Porath

Dearest Family and Friends, we celebrate Richard Truman Porath's life. We all knew him as a kind and loving Patriarch who served our Lord when times were abundant. We all knew him as a fun-loving wise guy family man who loved everything in life's fullness. Richard passed away suddenly the afternoon of Wednesday, January 27, 2021 doing what he loved most, having an afternoon stroll with the dogs.

Richard was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1936 to Joseph and Betty. Richard's middle name was given to him naming him after Truman Madsen by his parents as a good Latter-Day Saint. When he was three years of age He remembered before his grandfather passed away giving him these wise words that he once said, "Keep your family name clean and stay very close to the Lord." Most three year olds would not remember some things. He knew the Holy Spirit was within him receiving such a blessing. Throughout his early years he kept his grandfather's wishes. When he was 14 he took an aeronautics course at Fort Douglas, Utah and also cladding at the Salt Lake Country Club in 1953. At 16 he joined the Civil Air Patrol and was promoted to first lieutenant. He marched in the 24th of July parade and took on the marching nationals in Dayton, Ohio in 1955. Later in his youth he became a boy scout and was the first counselor in the Deacon's Quorum followed by becoming a Teacher and president of the Teacher's Quorum and then became a counselor in the Priest's Quorum in the East Mill Creek Ward. Soon after high school he started his career in long haul truck driving. His career sparked many achievements in his skill awarding him the million mile award as one of his many achievements. He served our Lord working in the Bishop's Store House, offering his time and dedication as a temple worker. His legacy gained his long journey earning him a large family that grew even larger under his wing. Richard was a man with many passions including the love of jazz music, motorcycle rides, dogs, traveling the country and being a grandfather and a great-grandfather.

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 30 years, Sharon; children Debra, Scott (Anita), Sherri (Keith), Russell (Brenda), Shannon (Mike), Warren (Tammy) and Cassandra; his 26 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his two children Michelle and Robert.

A viewing will be held on Friday, February 5 from 6-8 p.m. at Valley View Funeral Home located at 4335 W 4100 S, West Valley City. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Ward House located at 5000 W Pavant Avenue with a viewing one hour prior.