Richard Harwood

Richard (Dick) Harry Harwood, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, returned to our Heavenly Father on September 22nd, 2023, at the age of 88 years. Dick was surrounded and supported in his last few weeks by his loving wife, Cathey, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers and sisters in his church and his grocery industry business associates of over 60 years that he loved like brother, sisters, and kids.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and, sadly, three of his children, whom he loved dearly; Art Harwood, Niki Harwood, and Lynn Harwood. He is survived by his wife, Cathey (Anne Holden) Harwood, his children Pitece (Barry), Shane (Janie), Duncan (Kris), Damon, Brandon, and Jasmine and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was born on December 9th, 1934, in Salt Lake City to Clarence Henry Harwood & Violet Kay Kilpatrick. He was the 2nd of 4 children, Donald Clarence, Arthur Frederick, and Kay.

Dick graduated from Cyprus High School and attended the University of Utah.

He married the love of his life, Cathey, on March 4th, 1978, and from that day forward, Dick and Cathey were on the ride of their lives raising 6 children. Dick grew into his role as a father of 6 young children and they all learned together, sometimes the hard way, but nevertheless, they still learned.

He then eagerly accepted one of his life's greatest callings as Grandpa. He was fully involved in the lives of his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He was on the sidelines of every sporting event, in a chair at every recital, and on Facetime for video footage if he could not attend in person. He beamed when they were in his presence, and they never left without a full understanding of how much he loved them. The memory of him will always be with them as he had such a great relationship with every one of them.

Dick's other life calling was his 60 plus years working as an executive in the grocery industry. He was given the opportunity to work to lead at the highest level in multiple companies in Hawaii, California, Texas, Nevada, and Utah, including Albertsons, Harmons, and Associated Foods. Dick loved to work in his stores from the day he started until the day he passed. Dick's goal over the past couple of months was to recover so he could get back on the floor and continue to guide his teams and serve his customers just as he has done his entire life. Dick has been a legend in the grocery industry over the years for his practical knowledge of knowing what his customers want, and how to lead his people and companies to success. Mostly, Dick loved the people he worked with as much as he loved his family. His genuine concern for everyone came through his personal guidance, coaching and mentorship that developed into life-long friendships.

In 2011, Dick found his last professional home working for Eli Madrigal at Rancho Markets. He felt like his career had gone full circle and he was finally home. He dearly loved Eli, and every single employee that made up this special company. They made him feel so loved every time he would visit their stores, and he was so proud of what the company has achieved and become.

The foundation of Dick's life was his devotion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many roles within the church over the years and in many parts of the country. He loved them all from teaching gospel doctrine to being a High Counselor. He loved being a Bishop in Hawaii and embraced the love he felt for the people he cared for so many years, including standing at the pulpit and shouting Aloha to the congregation and having them shout it back.

His ultimate favorite was teaching the Sunbeams (three-year-olds) his love for God's children. This was an amazing experience for him and brought him great joy.

Dick was an incredible man that touched so many lives. Everyone was family to him from the start. He is truly the definition of Legendary.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 29th from 11:00 am-12:00 noon at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1570 West 11400 South, South Jordan Utah. 84095.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Utah Parent Center for Autism.

www.utahparentcenter.org