Notes for MARION RICH RICHARDS:

Son of Clyde Randall and Myrtle (Rich) Richards.
Born: November 16, 1922 in Paris, Bear Lake County, Utah.
Died: January 31, 2002 in Highland Care Center in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah.
Buried: Elysian Burial Gardens, Millcreek, Salt Lake County, Utah.
Last Residence: Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah.
Married: Margaret Ruth "Peggy" Loftis Alley November 6, 1953 in Salt Lake LDS Temple, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah.

Obituary
Deseret News Salt Lake City Utah
Obituary: Col. Marion Rich Richards (Ret.)
Published: Monday, Feb. 4, 2002 11:30 a.m. MST

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away Thursday January 31, 2002 (79) at Highland Care Center in Salt Lake City, Utah in the loving arms of his children. He is now at peace after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born Nov 16, 1922 in Paris, ID to Clyde Randall Richards and Myrtle Rich Richards. He married Margaret Ruth "Peggy" Loftis Alley Nov 6, 1953, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He lived a life filled with service to others.

He was a graduate of the US Military Academy, West Point, Class of 1946. He received two Master of Science degrees: Aeronautical Engineering, Univ. of Colorado, 1963, and International Affairs, George Washington University, 1967. Graduated with Distinction from the Air War College (Highest level professional School in USAF) 1967. Career Air Force officer retired 1974, grade of Colonel after 28 years of active duty. He had a career of extensive experience and responsibility: Director of engineering for International Space Communications Systems technical management of Skynet I, NATO II and NATO III, and the acquisition and installation of a satellite ground control station in England (1968-1974). Served as Aircraft/Combat crew commander in Southeast Asia in an electronic warfare squadron (1967-1968). Research and Development Director of the V/STOL Technology Division, USAF Flight Dynamics Laboratory (1965-1966). Chief, Controls Systems Research Branch USAF (1963-1965). Instructor of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and aerodynamics at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland (1955-1958). Instructor of the Operation and use of special weapons at the Armed Forces Special Weapons Project, Sandia Base, New Mexico (1948-1950). B-29 and B-50 pilot in the 43rd Bomb Group (1946-1947).

After Honorable Military retirement, served as President of Washington County Board of Realtors. Real Estate Broker for over 20 years. He is highly appreciated for many years of service with Building Dynamics, Inc.

He had a great love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and spent his life in service to others. He served in many positions within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including: branch president, bishop, district council and stake high council.

He loved hunting, fishing, traveling, spending time with family, and Mom's cooking! He will be greatly missed.

Survived by children: Michele Irving (Harold), Robyn Childs (Scott), Wendy Burbidge (Vaughn), Randy Richards; 11 grandchildren; and two brothers, Clyde Richards, Logan, Dale Richards, Provo. Preceded in death by wife; parents; one brother; and a grandson.

The family is grateful for the skilled and loving care provided to Jack by all the staff at LDS Hospital and Highland Care Center. We also extend our love and gratitude to dear friends and family.

Services will be Tues. Feb 5, 12 noon, Cottonwood Heights Stake Center, 6890 S. 2225 E, SLC. Viewing Mon. Feb 4, 6-8 p.m. Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. So. Temple, SLC. Family and friends may visit prior to service Feb 5, 10:30-11:45 a.m. Burial, Elysian Burial Gardens.