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Rick DeMass Obituary
1957 ~ 2012
Our beloved, Rick L. DeMass, age 55, passed away suddenly at home on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, as the result of a tragic accident. Rick was born on February 3, 1957, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Jack L. and Mary Taylor DeMass. He was raised in Murray, Utah. He graduated from Murray High School in 1975 where he enjoyed participating in the marching band as a drummer, debate team, tennis team and as a cheerleader.
After serving an LDS Mission in the Thailand Bangkok Mission he married MuiLeng Foo on August 27, 1980, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He graduated from Westminster College with degrees in both Business Management and Finance. He also received his MBA from the University of Phoenix. He has traveled the world extensively as a very successful international trader. He was a Certified Dive Master and spent countless hours diving in many exotic places around the world. He and his family have made eternal friends while living in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Grand Cayman Islands, and most recently again in Murray.
Rick spent his short life doing the things he loved. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking, golfing, playing tennis, skiing, scuba diving, boating, playing the piano, attending BYU football and basketball games, playing with his dog and spending time entertaining family and friends. Rick had a strong testimony of the Gospel. He was an Eagle Scout and devotedly served in the Bishopric, Stake High Council, Sunday School, Stake Young Men's Presidency and many other callings. He especially loved working with the youth on Pioneer Treks and Girl's Camps. During the past three years, Rick's favorite pastime has been spending time with his beautiful little granddaughter. He adored her and she adored him.
He is survived by his parents, his wife of 31 years, MuiLeng, and children Kimberly and Daniel, and the joy and love of his life, granddaughter Isabel. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Jackie (Dave) McMillan, Kevin (Holly) DeMass, Ron (Judi) DeMass, Tami (Eric) Oliver, sister-in-law Joan DeMass, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Mike, and nephew Jaxan.
A viewing will be held at the Murray 25th Ward building, 363 East Vine Street, on Tuesday, May 29, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Wednesday, May 30, beginning at 11:00 am. Family and friends may visit from 9:45 am to 10:45 am that morning. Interment will follow at the Murray City Cemetery. www.goffmortuary.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Rick DeMass
Sponsored by anonymous.
Hiam Soueidi
May 21, 2024
My condolences to the DeMass family
Linda Tranter
May 21, 2021
Rick. I cannot believe it has been 9 years since you have been gone. We love the DeMass family and all of our 6th ward brothers and sisters. I´m grateful we will see you again.
kody vance
May 21, 2019
When you loose a buddy, a friend of many years not a day goes by that isnt changed by not having them close. My life, my future will not be as bright not having my buddy here. You are missed in so many ways by so many. Till we meet again my friend....
Kiatsuda Bhunambhon
December 24, 2012
Dear Phi Rick
Nong da, would like to thank you for your inspiration and advice me, you are always in my mind. Rest in peace.
Nong Da
Caecilia Novi
December 11, 2012
he was a lovely man, really a great man,
good to knew him
Stephanie Sun
September 27, 2012
Rick was a very thoughtful man. We spent time together in Los Angeles when I was fresh out of college and when he was freshly divorced.He had a way of always making me feel important and special. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. He is thoughtful, kind and always full of good humor.
Mark Hatcher
July 5, 2012
Sorry to hear about Ricks passing, he was truly a great and caring guy.
Greg Penrose
June 23, 2012
Rick is one of the few names and faces I remember in my time in Thailand. He had an infectious personality, great charisma, and I'm not suprised at the success he had in life. He was a heck of a tennis player who ate my lunch whenever we had the opportunity to play in Thailand. My sincere condolences to his wife and family.
Chog Dee,
Greg Penrose
Sandi Howard
June 14, 2012
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. We mourn with you as well at the passing of a very dear friend. We have so many fond memories.
With much care and love,
Gil and Sandi Howard
Scott Brown
June 4, 2012
Dear Demass Family,
Since I have not seen Rick since high school, it was inspiring to read the guest book entries attesting to his life of loving service. He finished as he began: cheerful, faithful and strong. I am grateful for his friendship and example. May you be comforted until you're all together again.
Sincere Condolences,
Errol & Paulette Shim
June 4, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are like family to us and we mourn with you at this separation.
Thim Hicken
June 3, 2012
Dear The DeMass, We are so sorry about Rick's passing. May our Heavenly Father comforts you. I met Rick when he was a young missionary in Chiangmai, Thailand and we had been friend ever since. He was a great friend and we miss him.
June 1, 2012
My thoughts and prayers will always be with you.May you find comfort and peace in the love of your Father in heaven.With all our love, Alicia, John, Joanna and James,
Pres. & Sister Don Phillips, Billings Mission
May 30, 2012
May Father in Heaven Bless and Comfort You at this difficult time. "Families Are Forever" and you truly have such a family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Find comfort in knowing that you will be together again in the near future with your Eternal Companion, Father. and Grandfather.
With Friendship and Love,
Lori Raines
May 30, 2012
Dear DeMass Family,
My sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. Rick was an example to so many people. I just wanted to share with you what I felt was a special talent of his. He made everyone of his friends feel special. He was the glue that held our senior class together. He will be missed.
My love, Lori (Dudley)Rainess
Marianne Wolf
May 30, 2012
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. It's been a long time but I'll never forget Rick and Mike and the fun times we all had together. Rick was always so much fun, full of laughter and life. I cherish the memories of camping at Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge. Uncle Jack, Aunt Mary, MuiLeng and the rest of the family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all and wish I could be there for the services.
May 30, 2012
Dear Muileng, Kimberly, Daniel and Isabel,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Rick. Our condolences as you go through this difficult time. We are forever grateful for your time and service to the Laotian Branch in Sandy. Those memories of love and kindness from both Muileng and Rick will never be forgotten. May the Lord bless you and your family at this time with peace. Our prayers are with you through this difficult time.
We miss you and love you Rick.
With Love,
The Sitivong Family
(Suvan, Mone, and Mimi)
May 30, 2012
Dear DeMass Family, So saddened to hear of the passing of one of my great seminary students at Murray High School. Always thought so much of Rick and his wonderful family. Please know we are praying for you and family in this trying time. This is a time when the Gospel comes in to play to help us with mixed inner feelings. I know the Spirit will bring some consolation and peace to each of you. "God gave us memories that we may have June roses in the December of our lives."
Love, Tom and Sanna Bird, Magna, Utah
Niki Osbourne
May 30, 2012
Sis. DeMass, Kim and Daniel, again I am so sorry for the untimely passing of Br.DeMass. I will forever remember meeting you guys in Cayman and the kindness and love you all extended to me. Br. DeMass was a special human being, husband and father and grandfather. He made everyone felt good being around him. You were all blessed to have such an amazing person in your family. My prayers are with you all.
Lorri Shaver
May 30, 2012
Just a note to my dear Brother DeMass... my best and fondest memory of you will be when we were at girls camp and I could not make it up the mountain during the arduous hike. You stayed with me every step of the way. I believe you truly saved my life. Much Love...
May 30, 2012
Good Bye my beloved Brother and Friend
Jared, Lorri and Joseph
May 29, 2012
Dear DeMass Family. Our sympathy is with you in this your time of grieving. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Ron, Tami, Randy, Jay, Steve and Lori -
Launi Taylor
May 29, 2012
My friend, I will remember you.... Your laughter fills my heart, the memories of the many meals we have shared. You are such a generous, happy, fun and hardworking individual... They are lucky to have you on the other side. We however will have to be patient and wait until we can see you again. Till then my friend there are many here that will miss you greatly!
May 29, 2012
Dear DeMass family - please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers. We pray the Lord's comfort will be with you. We have always cherished our friendship with the DeMass family. Love, Cathy (Furner) Baron and family
Linda Tranter
May 29, 2012
Dear DeMass Family,
We are in shock at hearing about Ricks passing. We have always felt close to both Mike and Rick. We love your family so much and will keep you in our prayers.
Brad and Linda Tranter
Karen Rivers
May 29, 2012
MuiLeng, Kimberly and Daniel,We are very sadden to hear about the loss of Rick. We cherished the memories we had with you all and will always remember Rick for his kindness, laughter and funny stories. We love you all very much. God bless you and your family.
Scott & Shelley Hunter
May 29, 2012
Dear Muileng, Scott and I can't express our sorrow. I am so glad I was able to spend time with you and Rick a few years ago. I got to know you and was able to renew my friendship with Rick. I will always be grateful for that opportunity. Please know our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Love, Scott & Shelley Hunter
May 29, 2012
Dear Muileng,Daniel,Kim and extended DeMass family,
It is with much sadness and heartbreak to hear of Rick's passing. He was a kind loving man. I will always remember his contagious laugh and smile. We shared over 30 years of dear friendship and for that i will always be grateful.Extending my sincere condolences to all of you. May you be blessed with comfort and peace during this difficult and sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Sherrie (Cottle) Rawlings
Prakash Vasudevarao
May 29, 2012
Dear DeMass Family, We are so sorry for the tragic loss of Rick. Our thoughts and prayers to your family.
May 29, 2012
Muileng, Kim and Daniel I am so greatful to have spent this past week with you all. Rick did not change much from twelve years ago, and he was still his old funny self. I learned so much from him and truly love your family. I was so impressed with kim and Daniel, and saw how proud he was of them. I know he lives and is serving those on the other side.
-Mary Beth Brown (Cincinnati)
Janette Taylor and family
May 29, 2012
We're so sorry for your loss!
May 28, 2012
Muileng and children, Our hearts are sad for the passing of your Rick. Such a good man, loved by so many. May the Lord comfort you and ease your grief. We were blessed to know him as we all shared time in Pittsburgh.
Roy and Beverly Wennerholm
Kurt Sorenson
May 28, 2012
DeMass Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I can't begin to imagine your feelings at this time please know our prayers are with you all. Rick played a very important part in my life and was a great help to me when I needed it. You have all had a great impact on me, thank you. Thank you Rick.
Kurt Sorenson
Jerry Donbar
May 28, 2012
Muileng, Kimberly, and Daniel,
Martha and I were shocked and so saddened by your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We so love your family and grieve with you.
Jerry and Martha Donbar
Kristine Alkema (Lines)
May 28, 2012
Dear DeMass Family,
I'm so sorry for your lost. Brother DeMass was my sunday school teacher and I've often thought about the lessons he taught me, the fun we had (having church outside sometimes), and being invited to have Thai food at your home. He was by far one of the best teachers ever. Please know that I am thinking and praying for you at this time.
Hiam Soueidi
May 28, 2012
Dear Muileng and Kim
I am so sorry and devastated to hear about Rick tragedy .Please accept my condolesence he will be in my prayer.
Dallas and Sallie DiFrancesco
May 28, 2012
Dear Muileng,
We are so sad to hear about Rick. It makes me think back at how we used to laugh so much as teenagers, then enjoy your friendship as neighbors. How I regret now that we didn't go golfing after you returned to Murray.
I will miss him, and intend to see him again. I bet he'll say something that will make us laugh again!
Our love goes out to you...
Hannah (Wiley) Martinez-Christian
May 28, 2012
Kim & Daniel,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Please pass my sincere condolences to your mum and may God bless you all in this time of sorrow.
Murray & Ginny Johnson
May 28, 2012
Dear Muileng, Kim and Daniel,
It was with great sadness that we learned of Rick's tragic and untimely death. We will always remember his time with us as part of our Grand Cayman Branch family. We extend to you and the rest of his family, our deepest sympathy. Know that our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and that we are truly sorry for your loss.
David & Cheryl Hunter
May 28, 2012
Dave and Jackie and all of the DeMass family. . .I was very shocked to hear of Rick's sudden passing. I still remember how cool and popular he was at good ol' Murray High. . .and yet how kind and patient he was with me in his futile attempts to teach me to play better tennis.
May the Lord be with you and your family in this difficult time.
Peggy Wojnar
May 28, 2012
Dear Demass family, I remember Bro. Demass from the Pgh 4th ward family. What a good man he is. I hope the peace of the gospel and the plan of happiness will bring you joy in knowing that you are a forever family.God bless you forever------
Tom Kelly
May 27, 2012
MuiLing and all of Rick's (Elder DeMass') family. I served with Rick as a companion in Thailand and want to express my condolences to you and love for him. He was a great missionary and companion and we both loved Thailand which made us great companions and friends. I live in Oregon but we emailed and ran into one another off and on. I believe he had a son at basketball camp one summer at BYU when I was coaching there. As I heard about this numerous memories came flooding back of times in Thailand. He was a diligent worker who also knew how to balance fun and joy in life. I, like you, am looking forward to seeing him again and throwing my arms around him. I know you have pain but the Gospel gives a great perspective. May it provide you peace and comfort at this time.
May 27, 2012
Rick & I went to school together at Murray High. He was a very popular, well liked person. He was my friend in school although I have not seen him in many years. I am so sorry for your loss. I am so sorry he is no longer here with all of us. Take Care, Jane Jensen Spence
Becky HOLLAND
May 27, 2012
MuiLing, Kimberly and Daniel,
We have fond memories of the times spent with your family and your great husband/Dad, Rick. We have benefited from your generosity, talents and your convictions. Please know that we love and support you in this difficult time. You are a Forever Family- let that be the balm that heals.
The Holland Family
Alliecia Rhone
May 27, 2012
Muileng,Kim and Daniel I am so sorry to hear about Rick, my heart is aching for your loss Rick was such an awesome person words can't express how I feel when I heard the bad news. Heavenly Father will be with you through this very rough time.
Lyla Nock
May 27, 2012
Dear Muileng, Kimberly and Daniel, my heart aches for you because of the great pain you feel from such a huge loss!!! Rick was an amazing friend and such a source of strength and comfort to our family. We were priviledged enough to have him and Muileng at our temple sealing and he always made me smile and i truly felt his genuine love he had for my family and I!!! My sincerest and heartfelt condolences to you all, thank goodness for eternal families! Muileng I love you so much!!!! Your Tongan sister, Lyla Danny and Family!!
Guy Malmborg
May 27, 2012
To the DeMass family,
I am sure sorry to hear about Rick. I only met him one time on a dive trip with Kevin (Doc) and Holly, but he sure seemed like a neat guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Kevin, if there is anything you or your family needs, I am here.
The Casadays
May 27, 2012
DeMass Family,
We are so saddened to learn of Rick's passing. May god bless you all.
Cheryl Lundskog Staley
May 27, 2012
MuiLeng, Kimberly, and Daniel we are sorry for your loss at this time. I knew your husband from high school. He was a happy and kind person. He lived a wonderful life, just shorter than we would have wished.
Maylen Madsen
May 27, 2012
Jack and Mary, I am so sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences.
Bud Long
May 27, 2012
MuiLeng, Carol and I are so deeply saddened by Rick's sudden and tragic death. He was such a great example of a man, husband and father. Please accept our deepest sympathies. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Terry Higbee
May 27, 2012
Rick,
You were taken from us way too soon. You truly made this world a better place, and you will be sorely missed by many!!! My heart and prayers go out to you parents and your brothers and sisters, your wife, childeren, and granddaughter!!
May 27, 2012
Ron Judi and family,
I am very sorry for your loss.
With love and respect,
Brent
Kody Sorenson
May 27, 2012
To my friend,my confidante,my buddy.We may not have always been together,but our friendship was never apart. Thank you for our wonderful journey,I know you will be by our sides until our destination.
Bruce Newbold
May 27, 2012
I went to school with Rick. We had a lot of fun at Murray High School. We both were on the Varsity Cheerleading Squad with Marty Sadler, Cindi Halliday, Kaye Adams and Kathy Harmon. Rick made it all fun. We both loved our hair...and lost most of it! Rick had a good heart, open to love all, and I will miss a great friend and person. I and several of his fellow Murray Spartans will be wearing orange on the day of Rick's funeral, to honor and show respect and love for someone who made a difference in the lives of many.
May 27, 2012
What an unexpected challenge to outlive one of your children. I am so sorry you must have this discomfiting experience. May the Lord bless you with peace and bring you vivid memories of the wonderful times you have enjoyed with him through the years.
With love,
Elizabeth Burton
Davis Smith
May 27, 2012
I met Rick in Grand Cayman a decade ago when I was just starting my professional career. Despite being senior to me in experience and age, he was kind enough to befriend me. He became my first dive partner, lending me a set of dive gear (that I used my entire time in Cayman) and patiently teaching me how to dive. He was a passionate person with an enormous heart. We continued our friendship over the years and I was a better person because of him. Rick always built me up and was a true friend in every sense of the word. Since learning of his passing several days ago, I have been a bit melancholy. I look forward to the day we can be reunited as eternal friends. Rick, we miss you and love you.
May 27, 2012
Rick besides all of the accomplishments in your life, you were a great friend. You had a passion for life and helped everybody around feel your energy. Thank you for being a part of all of the "Sorenson" family's lives. You will be missed so much until we meet again. Give Mike a hug from us. With all my love, Kristy Sorenson Connor
Ursula Colliard
May 27, 2012
God Rest His soul in Peace ADIEU Rick
Kate and Jim Lawrence
May 27, 2012
Rick was a great man. We loved him and will miss him. We have great memories of his generosity and enthusiasm. We shared great times in Pittsburgh. We are currently out of the country and will miss the funeral, but send all of our love and prayers.
David Rockwood
May 27, 2012
I enjoyed serving in Thailand with Rick, our similar love for tennis, golf, & skiing kept us as buddies in Thailand. We ran into each other many times on international flights and he was always excited to get back home to his wife and family. He will be greatly missed... Sawasdii
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