K. Richard Young loving Husband, Father, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa passed away peacefully on January 7th, 2022. His sweetheart was by his side, and they were surrounded by their eight children. Richard lived an exemplary life to the very end, with humble strength, selfless love, and kindness.

Richard was born on October 8th,1945 in Dallas, TX to Kenneth Richard Young Sr. and Blanche Allen Young. He was the oldest of five children.  At age five his family moved from Dallas to Salt Lake City, where he grew up as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served a two-year mission in the Eastern States Mission (New York).

While attending Granite High School Richard met Janet Finnochio at Liberty Park. That day he told his Mom that he had met the girl he was going to marry. His dreams came true when he married his high school sweetheart Janet. They were sealed for Time and all Eternity on December 14, 1967, in the Salt Lake Temple. Their companionship brought him peace and happiness throughout his life.

Richard lived a life full of service and led by example. He ministered to others in meekness and love in many capacities. He especially loved serving as Pathways Missionaries with his wife Janet. Throughout his life, he served as a Teacher, Bishop, Scout Master, Young Men’s President, Ward and Stake Sunday School President, and Sealer at the Payson Temple. He had a strong desire to serve his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Richard served in the United States Army. He earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degree from the University of Utah in the field of psychology. After graduating he continued to serve the United States Army at Fort Douglas. He worked as a school principal for the Jordan Resource Center for Students with Emotional Behavior Disorders. Richard was a professor in the College of Education at Utah State University for 21 years.

In 1999 Richard’s career transitioned to Brigham Young University, David O. McKay School of Education. where he worked for 20 more years. His ten years as Dean of the College of Education was a special experience. Richard’s professional roles as a teacher, professor, psychologist, researcher, author, dean, and mentor, affected the lives of thousands of students.

Richard and Janet have created a beautiful life together where friends and family gather often working and playing alongside one another. Richard found great joy and purpose in his eternal family. Richard’s heart was with his family enjoying dinners, games, golf, time in the garden, and backyard gatherings.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Blanche Young. He is survived by his wife Janet, his brothers Jim, Mark, Dave, and sister Barbara, and his eight children Ken (Tiffany), Nate (Chelise), Jared (Liz), Ben (Amy), Jake (Becca), Audrey (Fred), Natalie (Nate), Adam (Lindsay), 29 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm, Friday, January 14th at the Mapleton 13th Ward Chapel located at 970 N 400 E, Mapleton, UT. Friends and family may visit Thursday evening from 6-8 pm at the Wheeler Mortuary 82 W 400 N, Mapleton, UT, or Friday at the Church prior to the services from 10:30-11:30 am at that same location. The funeral service will also be streamed online. Interment will be in the Mapleton Cemetery.

The family would love for friends and family to share memories and photos of Richard. Please email them to: [email protected]