Richard J. Vojtanek, born November 20, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois, passed away January 19, 2019 in Kaysville, Utah. The son of the late Tony and Stella Vojtanek, he was preceded in death by his older brother, Donald. He is survived by his loving sister, Sandy.
Rich spent the first 32 years of his life in Chicago. As a young man he was an altar boy in his parish and a cub scout. He was once referred to as one of the good guys in the neighborhood.
After high school he began working for a downtown firm in their print room. From there he moved to Dowagiac, Michigan where he opened a small business and met his wife and the love of his life, Faith. In 1993, Richard, Faith and Faith’s children, Jason and Amanda moved to Phoenix, Arizona where he worked in various capacities for The National Bank of Arizona, a branch of Zion’s Bank.
Richard loved camping, especially in the forests and lakes of Arizona. And he loved working with his hands. But it was Christmas, his favorite time of the year, that brought him such joy and fun.
Aside from decorating for Christmas, he played Santa Claus whenever he was able to, even once when he was confined to a wheel chair. And the holidays brought his family and friends together, and that always made him happy. While in Phoenix, Rich was an active volunteer for the Arizona Hemophilia Association.
During one of the Walks for Hemophilia, unable to actually walk any long distance, he participated in his wheelchair. And it was one of their most successful fundraisers. Throughout his life, Rich was the first to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
His gentle and generous nature will be remembered by many, as well as his great sense of humor. So very often, he thought of others before himself. His grandchildren, Austin, Dallas, Dominic, Dylan and Ryan were a of great joy.
He shared their childlike pleasure of the world around him. From his very early childhood through his final days, he was very close to his sister, Sandy (Sandra Colbert). They shared so much, as siblings do.
They had always been there for each other. He was never far from her thoughts throughout their lives and he will never be far from her thoughts, ever. As his physical problems increased, his wife Faith became a dedicated and loving caregiver.
The true love they shared carried them through many difficult times and his loss will be greatly felt. Richard’s family is so very grateful to the wonderful caregivers from Encompass, Pastor Jim Gunnuscio, Andrea, Breanam, Tyler and all the other special nurses and aides who never failed to brighten Rich’s days. You all meant so much to him.
Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.
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