Richard Jess Pocock

Richard Jess Pocock
05/02/1945 - 04/10/2026

Richard Pocock, our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on April 10, 2026, from complications related to a recent injury and surgery. In the quiet hours of the morning, his mortal journey concluded peacefully surrounded by his children. However, his eternal journey continues even now as he is reunited with Peggy, his dear wife of 51 years… and counting. Although he will be sorely missed, his legacy will live on in the hearts, and lives of all who knew this gentle, humble, and loving man.

One of Richard’s favorite scriptures reads: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” This verse was not only a foundation of his marriage but a guiding principle throughout his life. The many paths that Richard walked through life were certainly not easy – filled with medical, financial, and employment related trials – but at every turn he quietly and humbly acknowledged the Lord without hesitation.

This pattern of faith began early when at the age of 12 he fell from a moving vehicle and suffered a severe head injury. This fateful accident resulted in a life-long battle with epilepsy, grand mal seizures, and ongoing short-term memory loss. Yet, you would never hear Richard complain about his lot in life or associated trials caused by these conditions. Rather, you would find him quietly on his knees in the still of the night, or the early light of day, giving thanks for his blessings and pleading with the Lord for direction and strength.

As a young man in 1965, Richard’s next path led him to Upstate New York when he was called to serve in the LDS Cumorah Mission. While there, his faith was tested once again with the unexpected passing of his mother. Left with deep sorrow and the difficult decision of coming home early, he did what he always did – he prayed. Although staying on his mission was extremely difficult, he had “sought inspiration” and felt directed by the Lord.

Of the many events that followed, none were more impactful than crossing paths with Peggy while performing in a local production of the musical Oklahoma. Their close friendship soon turned to love and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 28, 1975. For the next 42 years, Peggy would selflessly hold Richard in her arms during each and every one of his countless nocturnal seizures. In turn, when Peggy’s health confined her to a wheel chair, you would find Richard pushing his dear wife from bus stop to bus stop as they joyfully traversed the valley one block, one walk, and one bus at a time.

Early in their marriage, they were informed that they would most likely never have the blessing of a family. In response, however, Richard confidently relied once again on his faith, his prayers, and his trust in the Lord. Three years later they welcomed one of his greatest joys in life – his three triplet children.

As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Richard always put his faith into action. He humbly accepted any calling he was given, and faithfully served many different times as a temple worker. In addition, his trust and faith were always present in the home. Daily family prayer and scripture study were just a part of the routine, and in his later years you could find Richard and Peggy listening to the scriptures together on a daily basis.

Richard’s journey now extends heavenward, but there is no doubt that wherever his paths have taken him, he has walked them with humility, faith, and the constant companionship of the Lord. He was a light and example to all who knew him here on earth and he will be the same for all who will yet know this great and loving man on the other side.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy, and his parents, Wilford and Lula Pocock. He is survived by his children: Megan (Jeremiah), Christopher (Nicole), and Tamara (Paul); his sister, Cheryl; five grandchildren; one great-grandson; and seven bonus grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, at the LDS meetinghouse located at the corner of 4100 South and Bangerter Highway in West Valley City, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:00 to 10:40 a.m. Interment will follow at Redwood Memorial Cemetery.