Richard Alan Stephenson

Richard Alan Stephenson Our dear husband, father, and grandfather passed courageously from this life on October 16, 2007 surrounded by his loving family, following a valiant struggle with pancreatic cancer. Rich was born on September 25, 1948 in Wendell Idaho, the second child of Garth A. and Mary Jo Stephenson. When Rich was four years old, the family moved to the Washington D.C. area and he spent most of his formative years in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he attended Springbrook High School. With his five brothers and four sisters, Rich spent long hours honing his natural athletic skills in the backyard, he loved baseball and touch football games. In high school, Rich excelled at both baseball and basketball and he still holds the all-time Springbrook batting title. His baseball abilities ultimately caught the eye of college coaches and he played for both Ricks College in Rexburg, ID and Idaho State University. In 1970, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and played briefly in their Florida rookie league before deciding to give up minor league baseball to support his growing family. While still in high school, Rich met the love of his life, Lucinda Riley, and they married shortly after his return from his first year of college. In the coming years, as they pursued various jobs across the country, Rich and Cindy were blessed with two daughters, and five sons, all of whom shared their dad's love of sports. Rich could always be found either playing in a softball or basketball league with his brothers or sons, or coaching one of their little league teams. Rich possessed a kind and loving heart, and remained positive despite the trials which came his way. He loved people and wherever you went someone would know Rich Stephenson and would have a story of how he had touched their lives. He was a true patriot and proud to be an American. He also pursued education throughout his life and earned student of the year honors from Utah Valley University at his graduation in 2004. Rich was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many responsible church callings. At the time of his death, he particularly enjoyed instructing his High Priest group in the Lehi 25th Ward. Rich is survived by his loving wife, Cindy, and his seven children: Tammy (David) Nimmer Orem, UT, Richard Jr. (Marianne) Highland, UT, Garrett (Stephanie) Boise ID, Christie , Lehi, UT, Kyle (Mariana), Saratoga Springs, UT, Daniel (Jessica) Eagle Mtn., UT, and Gabriel, Salt Lake City, UT, as well as 32 beautiful grandchildren. He is also survived by his father, Garth, and siblings Doug, Chris, Diane, Andy, Scott, Mary Kay, Tom, and Kerry. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Jo, his sister Dona, and his granddaughter Ciana. A viewing will be held at the Lehi Snow Springs LDS chapel, 1700 W. 700 S. Lehi, UT on Friday, October 19, 2007 from 7PM to 9PM. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at Noon. A viewing will be held from 10 a.m.till Noon the same day. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery (1600 N. 800 E. Orem, UT). Online condolences may be submitted to www.serenicare.com. The family would like to express their thanks to all those who provided comfort and support throughout this trying time.