Gene Griffith Richards

West Valley City, UT Gene Griffith Richards, 88, passed away peacefully at home with his wife and daughter at his side on November 17, 2017, from complications of cancer. Gene was a wonderful father, husband and brother. He practiced a deep and unending generosity of spirit, dedication to education, and provided unending support to his extended family. Gene was born in Helper, UT, on March 5, 1929 to Warren Griffith Richards and Jessie Gibson. He was raised in Malad, Idaho and moved to the Los Angeles area at age 11 with relatives still in California. He returned to Idaho after the military and attended Idaho State University. He married Colleen Williams on October 9, 1954 and they had three children, Jim, Denice, and Gary. Gene and Colleen lived in Utah areas for the past 37 years. Gene and Colleen both worked hard to provide for their children and family. Gene repaired, built and configured anything and everything needed by both sides of their family. He was a great story teller and loved to discuss history and honor. He loved to read and based his theories of life and chivalry on stories of King Arthur. He was an avid outdoors man during his lifetime with hunting, fishing and camping. Family reunions were very important to him and he would teach everyone he met to water ski. Gene was a proud and dedicated instructor in Aircraft Airframe and Power Plant at Idaho State University for 17 years following his service in the Army and Air Force Reserves. He worked with Rocky Mountain Helicopters in Provo, Hosking Helicopters in Bountiful, and National Airmotive as well as Universal Power in Salt Lake City. From 1982 to 1983, Gene worked with Steve Wienert of Fruit Heights, Utah to develop and debug a new working aircraft mechanic program. In 1983 to 1985, they developed a progressive inspection program for fixed wing fleets. Gene also modified PITTS special aircraft to inverted landing gear. He continued repairing aircraft and teaching via video presentations until age 75. Gene is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Wally, Jimmy, Gary, Dennis; sister Jessie; and a grandson Rocky. He is survived by his wife and children; sisters Colleen Hunt, Kay (Lyle) Arbon, Linda (Jimmie) Chadborne; and a brother Michael (Val) Thomas. Gene leaves behind 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews as well as a legacy of love, family dedication, sense of self, and integrity. Our family rock is gone. He was a blessing to his fmaily and community. Gene does not want us to grieve but to celebrate life and love and remember him as living a good life while he was strong. Cremation occurred November 22, 2017. Place of Birth:Helper, UtahPlace of Death:West Valley City, Utah