Richard Dean Pond

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Richard Pond Obituary

Richard Dean Pond December 14, 1925 - March 9, 2007 In 1945, as a 19 year old army private, our father made a promise in a prayer as he crouched on a hillside in the Philippines. Extremely grateful that his life had been preserved, he promised to spend the rest of his life serving God and his fellow man. That promise made 62 years ago has just been faithfully completed. Such is the powerful legacy that has been left to us by our father and grandfather, Richard Dean Pond, who returned home with honor March 9, 2007, at the age of 81. Richard was born in Richmond, Utah, the son of H. Ray and Mabel Hendricks Pond. He graduated from North Cache High School in the class of 1944. Richard served in the Americal Division of the U.S. Army in the clean up campaign in the Philippine Islands and was part of the first occupational forces to land on mainland Japan in September 1945. After serving his country, Dad served a mission for the LDS Church in the Southern States Mission and returned to marry his waiting "Forever Sweetheart", Marian Smith, in the Logan Temple. They celebrated 50 years together in 2000. In Mom's own song about their many years together, she wrote these words: "Through laughter and tears and never ending years, you are my own Forever, Sweetheart". As a family we are thrilled that Mom and Dad are together again! Richard graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Agricultural Economics and worked 23 years for the Bureau of Reclamation. Foreign assignments took him to the Sudan, Somalia and Egypt. He was a humble and faithful servant of God and served as a Bishop of the Cove, Utah Ward and the Grand Junction Colorado 1st Ward. He also served as a Patriarch in the Grand Junction Colorado Stake. Richard and Marian fulfilled a dream in serving a mission together in the Auckland, New Zealand Mission. As a kind and gentle father, husband and friend, Richard has been a man of integrity. His faithful example has blessed his children; David (Karen), Kelly (Sharon), Jill, Karen (Chuck) Curtis, Mark (Michelle), Courtney (Jalyn). Richard has also been a loving example in the lives of 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two loving sisters, Janet (Lowell) Howe and Judy (Joe) Hill. Funeral services will be held at the Cove Ward Chapel, 12832 North 1200 East, Cove, Utah, on Saturday, March 17, 2007. A viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. followed by the services at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the Richmond, Utah City Cemetery. Online condolences to the family may be sent at www.larkinmortuary.com. We are so grateful for Dad's wonderful life which has been a constant reminder that a promise made should always be a promise kept.

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Published by The Daily Sentinel on Mar. 16, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Pond

9 Entries

Robert Bullen

October 2, 2024

From my father's 1944 annual. They played football together.

Terry & Cathy Hockins

March 27, 2007

To the Pond Family- We just learned that your father passed away earlier this month. He was a very good and kind man. He had a good influence on us when we were in the same ward with him and your mother in Grand Junction. We send you our sympathy.

Annette and Jerry Davis

March 25, 2007

Dear Jill,
You have our deepest sympathy with the loss of your Dad. He certainly had an interesting and special life. He was very lucky to have had you close during his last years of his life, as with your Mother during her last years.
You are a kind person and hope your faith helps you through this very sad time.
Very sincerely,
Annette and Jerry
(if you don't remember me--the fun video nights at Lila's)

Pat and Judy Naughton

March 16, 2007

To the Pond Family,
We want to express our sympathy at the passing of your beloved father. We have lots of good memories of your father and mother from our days in Grand Junction. They both gave great service to all around them.
We send our love to each of you.
Pat and Judy Naughton

Paul Stuart

March 16, 2007

Dear Pond Family,

I received an email from Fred Crabtree this morning announcing your father's passing.

Dick was my boss there in Grand Jct for six years and a good friend for many more. He was a really good man and I really enjoyed working for him. He was kind, considerate, and fair to all that worked with him.

Dick was also the "father" of Mt. Elbert Investment Co. and served well as the general partner for many years.

I'm sure Dick had a huge impact on his family, his church, and the many friends he came in contact with. He will be missed by many but happy to be together with his loving wife.

May the Spirit be with you all as you celebrate the life of this special person.

Sincerely,

Paul Stuart

Rod Spencer

March 16, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathies. I know for your family it is hard to lose a father and friend. For me it is a Bishop, neighbor, and friend. Dick had a great impact on my younger years, he believed in me and what I could do for the Lord. There are so many memories of the "good" life. Moving sprinkler pipe, milking cows, and the haystack that no one could touch, every bale was placed perfectly by Dick. Who can forget the earthquake? I gained much insight being around your Dad and H.Ray. The years have taken us our different ways, I think the last time I saw any Pond was Kelly when we got together in Lompoc California when he was serving his mission. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Find comfort in knowing that your Dad was a great man in word and deed. God bless.

Jordan Funk

March 15, 2007

Dear Pond Family:

I was sorry to learn of the passing of your father. He was a very good friend of my father's before moving to Grand Junction. They were friends growing up as the son's of dairy farmer's in Richmond. We have pictures of your parents and mine vacationing together in Yellowstone and elsewhere. As a youngster we visited your home in Grand Junction. It is sad to see the passing of another Richmond native with such a rich pioneer heritage. In this difficult time, may you find peace in fond memories of the exemplary lifes of your parents.

Jordan Funk
Richmond, UT

Kenneth and Alice Cardon

March 15, 2007

We just learned this morning of the death of Richard Pond. We don't know any of you children, but Kenneth was well acquainted with your grandfather, H.Ray Pond . Alice was a schoolmate of your father at North Cache High School .
He has left a great legacy and example for you children and grandchildren .
His influence will be felt by many people for many years to come . Our prayers are with you as you mourn his passing .

Carolyn Preece

March 15, 2007

Jill, I just wanted to express my sympathy on the loss of your father. I did not know him, but did know your grandfather. It is comforting to know when we pass to the other side that we will be with our loved ones again. And while we are still here the memories keep them always close to us and in our hearts.

-- Carolyn Preece
Hillcrest Ward

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