Richard Frank Rhead
July 19, 1944 - December 26, 2019
Richard Frank Rhead, born July 19, 1944, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Josiah Lafayette and Florence Hansen Rhead, passed away due to liver failure in Salt Lake on December 26, 2019, at 75 years of age. The youngest of four children, he attended Irving Junior High (where he met his future bride at age 14) and later attended South High and the University of Utah. He was employed for 27 years by Western and then Delta Airlines. Always the entrepreneur, he owned and operated multiple businesses before and after retirement.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings–Janet, Elaine, and Wally. He is survived by his wife, Valerie Dillingham Rhead, whom he married on February 25, 1965, and their three children–Jill (Nikk) Bednarik, Christopher (Leisa) Rhead, and Brooke Rhead. He also leaves behind three beautiful seven-year-old granddaughters–Olivia, Danica, and MacKenzie.
We would like to thank all the medical professionals at Intermountain Medical Center and St. Joseph Villa for their exceptional care, good humor, and appreciation of limerick recitals during his last few weeks of life. Here’s a limerick for you, Dad:
There once was a man fond of drink
Imbibed lavish amounts in a wink
Smart, irreverent and funny
Dreamed of making big money
And a fabulous dad, we all think!
Richard was an unconventional man and didn’t want a funeral or any fuss after he was gone. His family would like to invite all who want to share their memories, stories, photos (or anything else) to celebrate his life on Saturday, January 18th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building. The family is requesting that this be a very casual event so please come dressed comfortably.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Richard's name.
In Loving Memory
See you later Richard. You leave us wanting to hear your contagious laugh and zany takes on life. I enjoyed knowing and working with you at Western and Delta Airlines.
Dear Valerie & family, Richard was a delight to work with. His sharp wit & fun personality will be missed. My deep condolences during this difficult time. RIP Richard, we love you.
Dear Val and family, so very sorry to read of Richard's passing. He was always such a fun and vibrant guy. Such a favorite of my mom and dad. We have warm memories of such special times with all of you. We send our love and condolances to you and your family.
Richard always made me laugh. He was so much fun to work with. He came by our house to help set up our computer one time and the payment required...a glass of wine. I have not seen him for years, but he will be missed.
Richard and I met when we were 12 years old. Five minutes after we met, we were in the ally behind his house in a fist fight. After the fist fight, we looked at each other and smiled. Thus, began a friendship that lasted 63 years. During all those years he was, to me, the most loyal, amusing, and smart friend I could ever have wished to have. The language of friendship is written most clearly in memories, and the memories of Richard that reside in my heart are too numerous and wonderful to count. Thank you, ole buddy--for everything! May you Rest in Peace. rj
We were so blessed to get to know Richard when we moved in to Maple Ridge. We will never forget the kindnesses that he (and you Valerie) showed to Ellen when we adopted her from China and she was so little. How she loved going to your home! Richard was always a bright light in the Maple Ridge community. His humor and his spirit will be missed!
Valerie and all of Rhead's family, to include life long friends: I share your enormous loss and send my love and condolences. Rhead was a happy force of nature, loving, loyal, and a genuine friend. I am so happy to have visited with you all just a couple of years ago and I cherish all the memories of our years of knowing each other. Love to you all, Scoot
I have known Richard since I was 5 years old . I have a memory of the two Richards catching spiders in a mason jar , laying on their bellies and watching a good spider fight! They laughed all the time ... what a beautiful friendship they had. Hearts were broken to hear of his passing but at the same time so full of his memories ... how lucky you were to have him in your lives .
Richard Rhead was a force of nature, a big personality with a very big heart. He lived large, and the pleasure he found in life is truly inspiring! I'm very grateful to have been his friend.
Dear Valerie and Family, Even though it has been years since I worked with Richard, our paths frequently crossed. In his unique style, Richard always made me laugh. Once on a Western Airlines business trip to California, Richard asked a server how the chef cut in their blue cheese dressing. The server had no idea what he was talking about. In his humorous "Rhead style" he gave her a raised eye brow and said "Do you use mayonnaise or Miracle Whip." At that point not only did he make me laugh but I understood Richard"s reputation as an excellent amateur chef. We all will miss this good man. Gordon & Candy Flitton
Dear Val and family, so sorry to read of Richard's passing. He was such a vibrant and funny man. He was always a delight at the family parties. He will be truly missed. My love to you Val and the rest of the family. Sorry I won't be able to attend the services but my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I never knew either of my grandfathers, so I’ll always be grateful to Richard for filling that void. Richard always made me laugh with his quirky sense of humor and his youthful exuberance. He fit in with teenagers like he was one himself. Richard has a strong moral center and always stood up for what he believed in, even when it wasn’t easy. He was courageous, which I think is rare to find these days. He was also generous and kind to all. I remember once Richard picked up an Uber passenger and allowed the total stranger to stay at his house and sober up after a wild time of partying. Going over to Richard’s to the watch the Super Bowl has become an annual tradition, and I’ll miss that greatly this year. Richard was a man of many talents, goals, ambitions, ideas, and stories. He loved his wife, and I am so thankful for both of them coming into my life. Richard loved to recite limericks. Here’s a limerick for you: I once met a young man over 60 years Who knew he’d bring me to tears? His jokes were crass His kindness unsurpassed Here’s to you Richard; cheers
Valarie and family: I just learned of Richard's passing. I was thinking about him very recently. I miss you both and hope you're doing OK. So thankful to have known him.
In Loving Memory
