Leonard Leon “Leo” “Big Boy” Rich

Leonard Leon “Leo” “Big Boy” Rich was killed on the first day of spring, March 20th, 2016 while taking a Sunday drive on his motorcycle.  He was 57 years old.
 
Leon is survived by his wife, Merri Clawson Rich of Taylorsville; his mom, Dolores Rich nee Fowlks of Murray; his children, Christopher Rich (Jill Palmer), Stephanie (Bryan) Boose, Taryn Leonard Jacob Rich (Irene Hogan); grandchildren, Riley Rich, Dylan Rich, Isaac Rich, Braden Boose, Jessica Boose, Shelby Boose, Bradley Boose, Jayden Rich, Sydney Rich; ‘bonus’ grandchildren, Desmond Stapleton, Aireonna Fox, Elijah Palmer, Peyton Palmer, Tyrone Vargas and Renez Vargas; siblings, Cory (Julie) Rich, Penny Rich, Mark (Amy) Rich, Jason (Rikki) Rich, Jody (Matt) Fetzer.  He is preceded in death by his dad, Robert Leonard Rich and siblings, Robert (Dannette) Rich, Shauna Rich, Matthew Rich, and Travis Rich.
 
Leon was born on December 29, 1958 in Murray, Utah to Robert and Dolores Rich. He graduated from Granite High School in 1977.  He married his sweetheart, Merri Clawson on December 9, 1978 then once more for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on February 10, 1990.  Leon was employed at BioFire Diagnostics.  He absolutely loved his job and co-workers there.  Earlier in life, both he and Merri were employed at Evans and Sutherland, where they formed many life-long friendships.  He cherished his friends, old and new.
 
Leon never met an old car, tool or animal he didn’t want to take home with him. This love and enthusiasm lives on in his children and grandchildren. His heart had room for everything and everyone.  He had an inner child who loved to come out and play.  Sometimes innocently playful, sometimes impishly mischievous, but always, always contagiously loveable!  Leon had the ability to bring out the playful child in the most stoic adults and he was loved for it!  Children recognized Leon as a playmate and were drawn to him.  Leon loved his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and they utterly adored him!
 
Leon and Merri’s spontaneity is legendary.  They were best friends and adventurers and at the drop of a hat they would travel to distant lands, take scenic drives to explore new places & spot wildlife, go rock-hounding, go to the movies, or any number of activities that struck their fancy.  They never missed an opportunity to take the road less traveled by.  Leon was a gifted artist and painter and would often use their travels as inspiration for his beautiful paintings.
 
He had the gift of being able to build or fix anything and was often called upon by friends and family to share this gift!  He was the guy who stopped to help complete strangers in need.  His caring and generous spirit blessed countless lives!
 
We would like to express our appreciation and love for the man who stayed with Leon immediately following the motorcycle crash.  He offered aid and spoke words of comfort to Leon until first-responders arrived.  Thank you, Arnold Casey, for your kindness.  We will never forget your thoughtful actions.
 
A viewing will be held on Monday, March 28th from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Memorial Redwood funeral home, 6500 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan.
Leon’s funeral services will begin at 11:00am Tuesday, March 29th, with a viewing one hour prior at the LDS ward house at 2603 W. 4700 S. Taylorsville.
Service Information
Viewing March 28, 2016 at 6:00-8:00 PM
Memorial Redwood, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah





Funeral Service
March 29, 2016 at 11:00 AM
Valley Park 3rd Ward, 2603 West 4700 South, Taylorsville, Utah