It came to pass on January 9, 1941 a son was born to Vard and Ellen Rich in Price, Utah. He was the last to be born to this family and with five older sisters and one brother he was somewhat spoiled! They lived a short distance from Wellington, Utah on a farm. It was just a cow, horse, a few chickens, always a dog, and a few cats. Even after moving into town, Gary always had a love of animals.
He had a group of friends and enjoyed going to movies and actively pursuing all outdoor adventures. He was the drummer in the Wellington School Band. He met Kay at the city park on the 24th of July. They dated on and off and decided to elope after graduation. They were married in Roswell, New Mexico on June 12, 1959. They were later sealed in the Manti Temple on March 23, 1962 and raised their family of five children. Gary was a good husband, father, provider, and protector. He loved serving others. Throughout his life he generously gave to all in need.
He started out delivering the Salt Lake Tribune before he went to school. He worked at Cornets, worked as a tile setter on an army base, and as a Highland Dairy milkman. He was a foreman in uranium, potash, and coal mines, an operator and warehouse manager at the Hunter Power Plant, and even after retiring kept going back to help on overhauls. He was a first responder and an EMT. Gary was a councilman for the city of Wellington and mayor for 11 years. With all of his responsibilities, he also was enjoying being present with each of his children. Teaching us how to fish, hunt, camp, dance, bowl, play baseball, basketball, and football. How to mechanic, drive, play games, cards, and do everything about life that was fun! Even later in life, he surprised us with his quilting and sewing abilities! He was always ready for a social event or party. He loved food, especially bacon and French fries. Don’t worry, always a tootsie roll, sunflower seeds, or a chocolate almond can be shared.
He loved his family! Especially his grandchildren and great-grands. Dad loved The Book of Mormon. He and mom have read every day in it together since 1980. He was very patriotic and LOVED being an American. He and mother were able to serve a 2-year mission in New York City for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They grew to love many missionaries they served with. Gary also served in many callings. Elders Quorum, Bishopric, Sunday School, Stake Young Men’s Presidency to name a few. The only calling he turned down was singing in the choir because he said he carried his tune in a bucket. He has since accepted though, because he is now singing in a heavenly choir with the angels. He passed away in the early morning hours of December 14, 2024.
He is survived by his sweetheart Kay of 65 years; children, Sherri (Neal) Redden, Big Piney, WY, Ricky Rich, San Diego, CA, Jill (Scott) Craven, Pleasant View, UT, Janna (James) Neumeier, Washington, UT, and Tom (Tiffany) Rich, Gilbert, AZ; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Essie Jones and Carol Timothy; and brother and sisters-in-law, Arline (Jay) Wilder, Linda (Lee) Forsythe, Brent (Charlene) Hanson, and Jan Hanson.
Gary’s service will be on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street) in Price. The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Wellington City Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Gary online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net