Our sweet loving husband, father and grandfather, Richard Hilton West, age 74, passed away suddenly on the beautiful Sunday afternoon of April 28, 2024, surrounded by his family.
He was born July 27, 1949 to Dale and Mariam Adamson West. He had an adventurous spirit from a very young age and loved escaping to the hills of ‘Y’ mountain in Provo, UT. – first on foot, later on his Tote Goat. His love for the outdoors continued throughout his life. Dad loved shooting his guns, going hunting and fishing, and taking scenic drives through the canyons. When at home he loved working in his vegetable garden, watching hummingbirds, and listening to FOX news. He was a kind man with a tender heart. He took in several stray cats over the years and gave them a good home.
He married his sweetheart, Melanie Rose Horrocks on January 30, 1970. Together they raised three daughters, Terra Lynne, Rebecca Ann, and Rochelle Rose.
In his early married years Richard worked for EIMCO. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and in the Utah Air National Guard, having a 34-year career overseeing the refueling tanker at the guard base in SLC. He loved airplanes and his country and achieved rank of Senior Master Sergeant before retiring in 2005. His military service took him to many parts of the world. He shared his adventures by sending home postcards where every square inch was covered describing the wonders he would see, hear, and smell in such great detail his wife and daughters felt they were experiencing them also.
Melanie and Richard were sealed, along with their daughters, in the Jordan River Temple on January 30, 2008, which is now the most important date in our family’s lives as we know this is what will bind us all together for eternity. His family was his greatest joy.
Richard adored his wife in every way and so appreciated all of her tender care as he battled his many health issues in his later years. She was his everything and he was concerned about taking care of her right until the very end. He never stopped showing his appreciation to her by showering her with “I love you,” and “you are too good to me.” His wisdom, stories, humor, and gentle strength will be missed but never forgotten.
His Christlike example of unconditional love is something his family will cherish forever and try to carry on as we remember and honor his legacy.
He is survived by his loving wife, daughters Terra (Monty) Ericson, Becky (Kurt) Murdoch, and Rochelle (Ed) Deinert, six grandsons (Richard serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Perth, Australia), three granddaughters, seven great-grandchildren. Also survived by his sisters Jeanne (Ralph) Haymore, Kathy (Lynn) Hansen; In-laws Kim (Mike, deceased) Foster, Deidre (Mark, deceased) Conover, Quinn (Ruth) Horrocks, Kyle (Isabelle) Horrocks, Chad (Alisha) Horrocks.
A graveside service was held May 2, 2024 at Memorial Holladay Cemetery in Holladay, UT. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Memorial Holladay-Cottonwood Mortuary.