1949
Gary
2020
Gary Riches
December 5, 1949 — May 14, 2020
Gary Dick Riches, 70, of Spanish Fork, Utah, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2020 in Payson at Mountain View Hospital. Gary was born December 5, 1949 in Payson, Utah to Benjamin and Ruth Fraser Riches. He graduated from Payson High School. He later received an Associates Degree in Auto Mechanics from Utah Technical College (currently Utah Valley University).
Gary met his sweetheart, Katherine Rachel Barker, at the Utah Technical College. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo Temple on October 12, 1972. They were blessed with a son, Casey (Mandi) Riches and a daughter, Heidi (David) Rowbury. He worked hard to make sure their every need was met. He loved his family and enjoyed all the time that they spent together.
After high school, he served as a Seaman in the US Navy. He then worked for 20 years at Geneva Steel in various positions, and then finished his career working as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service in the Sugarhouse area.
He had a deep testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The gospel of Jesus Christ, his family, and the love of our country were a priority in is life. He served in many capacities in the church including as a veil worker at the Provo Temple, Sunday School President, High Priest Group Leadership, Nursery leader, Primary teacher, Cub master, and Boy Scout master.
He enjoyed serving in the Scouting program in all levels. He earned his Wood Badge beads as a cub scout leader and a boy scout leader, various awards from the district, and the Silver Beaver award. He was a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow. He mostly enjoyed spending time with the boys and letting out his inner child.
People knew him as the grouch, but he was the most tenderhearted man around. He loved doing service for others especially in the winter when he was able to plow the snow around the neighborhood. His hobbies included watching old western movies, shooting, fishing, camping, feeding the birds, and working to beautify his yard. He loved Christmas when he could decorate his house with lights and wrap presents for others.
Gary is survived by his wife, Katherine; children, Casey (Mandi) Riches and Heidi (David) Rowbury; and 8 grandchildren - Shayra, Taylyn, Skylar, and Keirra Riches and Duncan, Adaline, Gage, and Harley Rowbury. He was preceded in death by his mother and father.
A viewing will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2020 from 4:30 - 6:00 at Legacy Funerals and Cremations (3595 N Main St. Spanish Fork, UT 84660).
A Graveside Service which will be streamed live over the internet, to celebrate his life will take place Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 11:00 am, at the Spanish Fork Cemetery (420 South 400 East). Streaming will begin at 10:45 a.m. on Facebook at Legacy Funerals & Cremations.
If you plan to attend the graveside service, we ask that you please remember strict social distancing.
The family expresses sincere thanks for all the care that was provided by the Nurses, Doctors, and support staff at Mountain View Hospital.
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Gary met his sweetheart, Katherine Rachel Barker, at the Utah Technical College. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo Temple on October 12, 1972. They were blessed with a son, Casey (Mandi) Riches and a daughter, Heidi (David) Rowbury. He worked hard to make sure their every need was met. He loved his family and enjoyed all the time that they spent together.
After high school, he served as a Seaman in the US Navy. He then worked for 20 years at Geneva Steel in various positions, and then finished his career working as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service in the Sugarhouse area.
He had a deep testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The gospel of Jesus Christ, his family, and the love of our country were a priority in is life. He served in many capacities in the church including as a veil worker at the Provo Temple, Sunday School President, High Priest Group Leadership, Nursery leader, Primary teacher, Cub master, and Boy Scout master.
He enjoyed serving in the Scouting program in all levels. He earned his Wood Badge beads as a cub scout leader and a boy scout leader, various awards from the district, and the Silver Beaver award. He was a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow. He mostly enjoyed spending time with the boys and letting out his inner child.
People knew him as the grouch, but he was the most tenderhearted man around. He loved doing service for others especially in the winter when he was able to plow the snow around the neighborhood. His hobbies included watching old western movies, shooting, fishing, camping, feeding the birds, and working to beautify his yard. He loved Christmas when he could decorate his house with lights and wrap presents for others.
Gary is survived by his wife, Katherine; children, Casey (Mandi) Riches and Heidi (David) Rowbury; and 8 grandchildren - Shayra, Taylyn, Skylar, and Keirra Riches and Duncan, Adaline, Gage, and Harley Rowbury. He was preceded in death by his mother and father.
A viewing will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2020 from 4:30 - 6:00 at Legacy Funerals and Cremations (3595 N Main St. Spanish Fork, UT 84660).
A Graveside Service which will be streamed live over the internet, to celebrate his life will take place Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 11:00 am, at the Spanish Fork Cemetery (420 South 400 East). Streaming will begin at 10:45 a.m. on Facebook at Legacy Funerals & Cremations.
If you plan to attend the graveside service, we ask that you please remember strict social distancing.
The family expresses sincere thanks for all the care that was provided by the Nurses, Doctors, and support staff at Mountain View Hospital.
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To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Riches, please visit our flower store.
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