Richard Willardson

Richard J. Willardson 1923 ~ 2008 Richard Jacob Willardson passed away September 4, 2008 from complications of Alzheimers disease. He was born November 3, 1923 in Redmond, Utah, son of Neils Peter and Idella Rasmussen Willardson. He attended school in Redmond and Salina and graduated from high school in Salina in 1942 where he excelled in athletics. He joined the Navy in 1943 and served his country until 1946. Richard married Kathleen L. Glenzer, the love of his life, in November 1945. After WWII he worked as a civilian at the Naval Ammunition Depot in Hawthorne, Nevada. In 1963 he transferred to Salt Lake City where he worked for Hercules Inc. He was a devoted husband and parent, always striving to make a better life for his family. He was an avid outdoors man, enjoying hunting, fishing and horseback riding. He was a skilled softball player and exceptional Little League and Babe Ruth baseball coach. More recently Richard loved to hang out at the barn, shoot the bull with his many friends and feed his cats. Survived by his wife, Kathleen; daughter, Sandra Larsen; sons: Peter (Susan) and Richard Jr. (Susan); sister, Susan (Vernon) Sorenson; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-granddaughters; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by grandson, Ben Dolan-Willardson; son-in-law, R. Dean Larsen; infant son, Rodney; brothers, Arnold and Paul; sisters: Betty Kane, Irene DeMars, Madge Green; and infant, Joan. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and hospice workers at Lakeview Hospital for their tender care in the last few days of his life. Graveside services will be held Monday, September 8, 2008, 11:00 a.m. at the Redmond City Cemetery, Redmond, Utah. Arrangements under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home.