Thomas Richards

Former Moab, Utah resident Thomas Ray Richards passed away on August 6, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Tom is survived by his daughter Landy (Scott),  sons Kirk (Joanna) and Ramsey. He is also survived by grandchildren Mason, Soren, Meah, Owen and Mabel as well as nieces nephews and cousins from Idaho to Alaska.

Tom was born on November 14, 1946, in St. Anthony, Idaho to Bill and SaDonna Richards they remained in Idaho until 1953 when the family moved to Moab. My dad loved growing up in Moab which was still full of magic and places to discover he spent most of his time in the hills and by the time I and my brothers came along he could take us through the fiery furnace with his eyes closed.  He also spent a lot of time on Mountain View Dr. where they lived. The street was full of kids and it was there that he forged lifelong friendships.

After graduating from grand County High School in 1965 Tom went to San Diego California for Boot Camp. He was deployed Vietnam almost immediately after where he would serve three tours of duty as a Navy/Marine Corpsman.  As a medic Tom earned three purple hearts and various medals of gallantry. Tom received a medical honorable discharge in 1969 after being shot three times on three separate occasions. My father was very proud of his service but also the first one to admit some scars are eternal. Once back in the states Tom would then go on to college and earn a degree in health and safety from Utah State.

Tom returned a Moab in 1973 and married his sweetheart Margene Hill, there they would begin their family and remain in Moab until 1984 when they moved to Grand Junction Colorado so Tom could begin a long career with the Department of Energy.

Tom’s family flourished in Grand Junction he was always very fond of his children, grandchildren and beloved wife Margene. He was a highly engaged parent to his children; openly nurturing and affectionate as well as employing discipline as needed.

His work once took him across the globe to the Marshall Islands. He and Margene both loved the sea and it’s natural wonder.  They never grew tired of each other‘s company and they’re inseparable bond lasted throughout their 47 year marriage until Margene passed away in 2020 due to complications from Alzheimer’s. During his wife’s illness he preserved with his undying devotion and remained by her side always. Tom spent the last few years of his life visiting with his children and grandchildren. Despite his illness he was the symbol of both strength and humility. His example lives on in his Family as he joins his beloved wife Margene for their next journey. He is also preceded in death by his parents, a sister Kona and a granddaughter Sylvia.