Our beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Richard Clayton Safley, unexpectedly passed away on May 14, 2022 in Price, Utah.
Richard was born April 6, 1965 to Marvin J. and JoLene Bentley Safley in Murray, Utah. He met the love of his life, Laurie Sue Peterson Safley, through Richard’s friend and Laurie’s relative, Rodger. Richard and Laurie were married on August 15, 1987 in Wellington, Utah. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti, Utah LDS Temple on October 29, 1999.
Richard proudly served his county in the United States Navy from September 1983 to May 1988. He was a firefighter on USS Carl Vinson and earned the rank of Senior Petty Officer.
After his service in the Navy, he worked in the construction industry building homes, then later started his electrical apprenticeship at ECI. He finished his career at Sunnyside Cogeneration, where he had the opportunity to work alongside his brother, Raymond Safley, for 28 years.
Richard’s main interests involved wherever he was with his family. His most precious moments were those spent with his sweetheart, Laurie, whether they were riding in the side-by-side, Jeep adventures in the mountains, drives through the beautiful outdoors, fishing, or camping. Dad adored mom and ensured she was always taken care of. He loved getting a fountain drink with mom after work each day. He was mom’s superman.
He enjoyed taking his family boating and especially loved pulling his grandkids behind the boat. His grandkids’ most fond memories will always be the times that grandpa took them for rides in the Jeep to get an ice cream, to get a toy from the dollar store, or to get a treat from the gas station.
Richard was a selfless and hard-working man. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone. He had the gift of being a peacemaker.
He loved his family dearly and was very proud of his children and grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. Our daddy was our hero and would do anything for us. He will be missed greatly.
He is survived by his loving wife Laurie; son, Garrett (Stevie) Safley of Price; daughters, Jessica (Cody) Christensen of Helper, Emily Safley of Price; mother, JoLene Safley of Price; brothers, Brent (Lisa) Safley of Pleasant Grove, Raymond (Danielle) Safley of Wellington; sister, Ellie (Ray) Dotson of West Valley; brothers-in-law, Alan (Tami) Peterson of Wellington, Todd (Cindy) Peterson of Elko, Nevada; sister-in-law, Debbie (Glen) Fredrickson of Price; grandchildren, Riley Christensen, Brinleigh Christensen, Jentry Christensen, Avery Safley, Adalynn “Addy” Safley, and Cody “Ridge” Christensen; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceded in death by his father, Marvin J. Safley; brother, Alan Gary Safley; father and mother-in-law, Allen “Tim” Peterson and Jessie Lee Peterson; and six heavenly grandbabies.
Funeral service, Thursday, May 19, 2022, 11:00 a.m., Price Seventh Ward chapel where the family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment, Cliffview Cemetery, Price, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Richard online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.