Richard Lee Shafer

On August 13, 2025, Richard (Dick) Lee Shafer passed from this life. Richard was born on October 26, 1938, to Joseph and Norma Shafer in Granger, Utah. The oldest of seven children, he grew up with an entrepreneurial father and a mother devoted to family and faith. From the beginning, Richard was aligned for success and devotion in whatever he chose. He expressed these gifts through many accomplishments, but above all through the way he shared them with others. He was a talented athlete and a dedicated student, but the gift he cherished sharing most was his voice. As a young man, he was sought after as a soloist. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah, he began performing with the Tabernacle Choir, singing at three presidential inaugurations. One of his favorite stories was of a solo that wasn’t planned—he misread the timing and began singing during a pause. What could have been seen as a mistake, he owned with grace and humor, proudly claiming it as his solo. Richard studied toward a master’s degree at the University of Utah and worked as an aerospace engineer, although his master’s was not awarded due to exceeding the allotted completion time. In June of 1958, he married Gladys Jean West, “an undeniable angel in human form.” For the next 60 years, he learned what it meant to live a life of service through her example. Their union merged humility with skill, and together they raised 14 children—each carrying his fire and her compassion. From their love has come a remarkable posterity: over 200 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even a great-great-grandchild. Richard often told the story of falling head over heels for Gladys at first sight in ninth grade. Their home and hearts were rooted in their faith as devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where Richard served in many leadership positions. In the late 1960s, Dick and Gladys purchased a farm in Bluffdale, where they practiced self-sufficiency and grew much of their family’s food. Over their 50 years there, they formed lasting friendships and deep community ties. Richard also served in the National Guard, worked as a Water Master, kept impeccable records, and became an avid golfer. He loved hunting and was also a phenomenal—and awarded—pizza maker. In his later years, he even turned part of the farm into a putting green. A man of many accomplishments, Richard had a strong will and a proud presence. Yet in the final month of his life, something shifted—his attachment to personality dissolved, and his authenticity emerged in full. A deeply loving, self-aware, and compassionate being came forward. His focus turned toward empathy and accountability in his relationships. It was a joy to meet him again in this state. His disposition moved from being right to being love. In those final weeks, he spoke often of his grandmothers and mother, praising their examples of deep spiritual connection. He credited them for his lifetime of devotion and showed the harmony between wisdom and knowledge. Richard is survived by his children: Shari and Terry Aston, Cindy and Daniel Epperson, Rick and Marla Shafer, Quanette and Troy Shinsel, Jeff Shafer, Brent Shafer, Melody Shafer, Kimberlee and Chet Shepherd, Jennifer Scheib, Heather Bingham, Misty and Chris Shafer Pedersen, and Joe and Monica Shafer. He was preceded in death by his wife Gladys Shafer, daughter Norma Jackson Scheller, son Micheal Shafer, grandsons Justin Shinsel and Alex Jackson, and son-in-law Terry Aston. A heartfelt thank you to his granddaughter Cyenna Allred for giving him the gift of returning to his own home, and for caring for and loving him right up to his last breath. Gratitude also extends to the family, friends, and community who surrounded him throughout his life. In his final days, he became not just the man we knew, but the love that made him.

Graveside services for Richard will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Bluffdale City Cemetery located at 14205 S. Redwood Road-Bluffdale, Utah. A visitation will be held from 3:00- 5:00 PM Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Broomhead Funeral Home located at 12600 S. 2200 W.-Riverton, Utah.