Richard Glen Southwick

Richard Glen Southwick    

May 11, 1931- September 1, 2022

 Richard Southwick left this world in style—hot tubbing under the stars. He spent a lovely day driving up to Duck Creek Village, had lunch with family, and then after his beloved wife went to bed, he ventured outside to enjoy a Coke, Oreos, and a relaxing retreat under the night sky. 

Richard grew up in Cedar City, and, while home for a visit, he noticed a beautiful, recently-hired teacher walking down Main Street. He said to himself, “She would make a good wife.” When he asked her out on a date, she turned him down, believing he was still in high school. Fortunately, he was able to assure her that he was in college and old enough for her affections. Her name was Helen Chamberlain, and he married her three months later in the Logan Temple on December 19, 1952.

He leaves behind beautiful Helen, (the face that launched multiple children) — Shelley, JoAnn, Sue (Kevin) Schmidt, his deceased son, Richard Glen Jr. (Cara Johnson), Marcie (Mark) Nelson, Rachel, Tiffany (David) Harris and Jared (Beth). He is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His two brothers and sister preceded him in death. 

Richard was athletic and an outstanding football player in high school and college. He loved the outdoors. Some of his best times were the two summers when he worked at Bryce Canyon National Park. He especially loved the summer storms and never minded working outside during the downpour. Throughout his life, he explored the various, beautiful terrains of Utah. He lived on the edge, literally, and it was always a relief when he made it back home after his many camping trips. Over time, his children and even his loyal brother, conveniently found other commitments that prevented them from accompanying him on his excursions. However, he remained undaunted and adventurous until the end.

Richard served in the military in the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) and was responsible for breaking into military installations. Because he excelled at his surveillance work, he was sometimes asked to return even years after he left the service.  However, Richard chose a different career path and became a CPA, working in Salt Lake City for a few different firms before venturing out on his own in Los Angeles and then back again to Salt Lake City.

When not at work, Richard enjoyed time with his family, including dancing to the Glenn Miller Band with his wife on Sunday afternoons in the family room, birthday date nights with his children (or so the younger siblings claim), and gathering the large extended family for holidays. He was a Disneyland dad before it became popular. Richard also knew the right way to honk going through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and the best place to hide Easter eggs in Zion National Park. He was a gatherer of people and Christmas parties, and Thanksgiving celebrations were always special and fun. When he wasn’t gathering people, Richard gathered snacks. His home office was filled with plates of cookies and tins of chocolate. “No vegetables and more whip cream, please.”

Throughout his life, he was generous with his time and talents. He never turned away anyone in need. He served in many callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often doing things in a unique way. His love for the Savior, Jesus Christ and his gratitude for His atoning power were an integral, motivating aspect of his mortal life.



Richard is adored by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and occasionally his wife. He was bigger than life; and fascinated with an indefinite number of things, but he always came back to family. He loved them immensely. He had big dreams and lived a long, full, interesting life. He will be sorely missed; but in the words of one of his last texts, “All is well.” He truly went home rejoicing.