Richard Paul Trujillo, age 74, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 12, 2021 in Murray, Utah. Born in Dragerton, Utah on March 6, 1947 to Tony and Cecelia Trujillo. He was the eighth of twelve children who spent his childhood growing up in Dragerton, Utah. He left home at a very young age until he was drafted into the United States Army to serve in the Vietnam War in 1968. After serving his country he returned to Utah where he was introduced to his “babes”, Vicky Larsen. They moved to California and married on September 5, 1970.
Dad worked for Winco for several years as a computer tech before moving back to Dragerton to work in the coal mines in 1978. He worked for Horse Canyon Mine and Kaiser Steel Company as well as several mines in Colorado until he suffered a back injury and was unable to return to coal mining. In 1995, Mom and Dad moved to Salt Lake City along with their daughter Tammy where they eventually settled in Kearns until their retirements.
Dad worked hard and taught his kids the importance of hard work. Growing up we spent a lot of time outdoors, fishing, hunting, camping, riding dirt bikes and 4 wheelers. Dad enjoyed playing the guitar and was a part of many bands and duos playing Mexican music through the years. He was also a great gardener who grew the best tomatoes. After retiring Dad enjoyed trips to Wendover, yard selling with Mom, having morning coffee with his neighbor Cliff and spending time with his close family members, kids, and grandkids. Dad made many friends along his journey and enjoyed his time spent with them. He enjoyed sharing stories and giving them a hard time. After Mom’s death in 2017, Dad struggled to recover from his broken heart and battled several health problems stemming from diabetes and lung cancer. He lived his life his way and although he was stubborn and stern, he was loving and kind too. He would do anything for his kids and grandkids and they always knew he would be there to help with anything they needed. Although we are sad and heartbroken from his passing, we are comforted knowing that he is no longer heartbroken or suffering and he is reunited with his “babes”. He has missed her so much. Rest in peace Dad. We will miss you both so much.
Richard is survived by his three children, Tony (Brandi), Tina (T.J.), and Tammy (Cary); eighth grandchildren, Richard, Brandle, and Brylee Colonna, MaKayla, Colton (Madisyn), and Dade Greener, Tanesa & Cary Butler IV; two great-grandchildren, Brooks and Collins Greener; siblings, George (Marsha) Martinez, Johnny Martinez, Virginia (Chris) Jaramillo, Gloria (Fred) Turpin, Francine Trevino and Druscilla (Bob) Martinez; special brother-in-law, Jack Larsen; as well as many nephews, nieces, friends and special companion, Mokie. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Vicky; brother, Eddie; sisters, Josie, Esther, Ida and Mary Alice.
A memorial service will take place on Monday, December 20, 2021, 10:00 a.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street) in Price, Utah where friends and family are invited to meet with the family one hour prior to services. Final resting place will be at the Cliffview Cemetery, (816 North Castle Heights Drive) Price, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are welcome to share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net