Richard Nephi Gunnarson 75, passed away in Orem, Utah on Saturday, June 23, 2018 to return to the arms of his loving Heavenly Father after battling Pulmonary Fibrosis for many years. Richard was born on September14, 1942 to David Spencer and Florence (Brown) Gunnarson in Ogden, Utah. He graduated from Weber High School in 1960 and Weber State College in 1972 with two degrees.
He received further education from the Army Management and Engineering College and the Air Force Institute of Technology. Richard grew up in North Ogden and spent his boyhood working on farms around the area. He loved music and the piano and began playing at the age of 5.
He especially enjoyed classical music. At the age of twelve, he began serving as the priesthood pianist and was able to use this talent through much of his life. While in high school, he obtained employment at J.G. Read and Bros.
Company as Secretary to the President. Upon his graduation he was called on an LDS North British Mission from 1961-1963. He loved missionary work and had the experience of serving in several assignments including Assistant to the President.
Richard was active in the LDS Church and served in many leadership positions in priesthood quorums, ward and stake missions, and bishoprics. He worked in Senior Engineering positions for Sperry Univac Corp. , General Dynamics Corp.
, National Semi-Conductor Corp. , and the Dept. of Defense.
After retiring, he taught Manufacturing Engineering at BYU. Richard married Gayle Read on September 4, 1964 in the Salt Lake City Temple. They raised five children together but were later divorced.
He married Shirley Jean Sutton, the love of his life, on May 1, 1997 in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. Richard then helped Shirley raise her four children.
Richard enjoyed designing and building homes for his family. He also enjoyed landscaping, gardening, family history and temple work. He loved to travel, camp, and spend time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Richard is survived by his wife Shirley, his children R. Shawn (Heather) Sandy; Trent (Diana) N. Ogden; Nanette, Springville; Brian (Melissa) Seattle; Holly, Orem; and step-children, Todd Noall; Jeffrey (Jenny) Noall; Lynsey ( Richard) Drew; and Christie (Jeffrey) McDonald; 3 grandchildren and 11 step-grandchildren. He is also survived by 3 sisters Joyce E. Johnson, Nancy M. Mower, Carta Gunnarson and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Debra L. (Mark)Stevens.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 30,2018 at 12:00at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1240 N. 950 W, Orem, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10:00-11:45.
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