Richard Collings McKinley

Richard Collings McKinley passed away May 7, 2024 at the age of 94. Richard was born Oct. 15th, 1929 in Magna and raised in Salt Lake City. 

His travels started as a young kid, when he would hop on the train unsupervised, catching rides to various areas in the state. Many of his summers were spent on the shores of Bear Lake in Paris, Idaho picking raspberries and spending time with cousins. After graduation from West High in 1946, he joined and served in the United States Air Force. He then married Edna Balfour on June 20, 1952 in the Salt Lake Temple and spent 72 years together. They had three children together Kent, Cindy, and Craig. He also has a son Duane who found him late in his life. Richard worked in various positions for 40 years with United Airlines. This gave him and his family the opportunity to travel many places around the world; including skiing the Swiss Alps. During his younger years you would find Richard fishing or out playing church ball (it got pretty intense). Later in life you would find him walking, gardening or enjoying a car ride with Edna.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various positions including ward clerk and temple worker.

If you knew Richard, you knew he was a very talented craftsman. He loved creating things and working with wood. As he worked, he was always whistling a classic tune. He loved his family and serving others.  And he loved cookies! We'll miss this quiet man with such a big heart.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Erwin McKinley and Laura Mae Collings; brother, James McKinley; sister, Gwenle McKinley; and son Craig. He is survived by his wife Edna; children: Kent(Vickie), Cindy (Brent), and Duane (Pattie); along with five grandchildren: Shana, Brindy, Briana, Shaylyn, and Cierra; and six great-grandchildren.