Eugene Rich

Eugene L. Rich Gene Our beloved father, friend, grandfather, great-grandfather and great- great grandfather, Eugene (Gene) Lathair Rich, 91, life time resident of Bennion, Utah, returned to his Heavenly Father, January 14, 2010 while wintering in St. George, Utah. He was born July 20, 1918 to Thomas William and Mary Edna Frost Rich. He married Laura Beckstead in the Salt Lake Temple on December 11, 1936. He and Laura had four children, 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. After the death of Laura in 1988, he later married Avon Blank, who passed away in 1995. Gene was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in the Young Mens Program, Sunday School, several Bishoprics and coached softball and basketball teams much of his life. In his early years he was a standout player in both sports. To say he loved sports would be a huge understatement. He lived sports. He was an avid Jazz and BYU fan and loved being involved in his children and grandchildrens sports as evidenced by his attendance on the sidelines, cheering them on. He also loved to fish and camp at Trial Lake while his children were growing up. Gene served in the US Army at the close of World War II and spent some time in Japan. He worked at Kennecott Copper for over 44 years and was a well respected Tin Smith and later Foreman. He was frugal, very conservative and proud to be a lifelong Democrat. He had an infectious laugh and a sly sense of humor. Everyone who knew Gene loved him because of his passion for life and willingness to help in times of need. He loved gardening and was well known for cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, corn and raspberries, but was legendary for his cantaloupe and other melons. He loved sharing the fruits of his labors with everyone he came in contact with. He will genuinely be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his children: Dennis E. (Eileen); Reon Holden (Mike); Thomas L. (Kathy); Roger V. (Randi); grandchildren; great and great-great grandchildren; and brother, Alvin Ellison. Preceded in death by his parents; wives; brother, Allen; sisters, Maureen, LaVerla and Genevieve. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 23, 2010, 12:00 noon at the Riverview Ward, 1350 West 5550 South, Taylorsville, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday, 6-8pm at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Road, Taylorsville, and Saturday at the church,11-11:45 am prior to services. Interment will take place at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah.