John Elmo Richardson

John Elmo Richardson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, engineer, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, in Layton, Utah, at the age of 85. He was born on February 3, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Justin V. Richardson and Hortense Earl Richardson.

John graduated from Granite High School. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North British and Scotland Mission.

He married the love of his life, Helene “Lenny” Goebel, on August 18, 1964, in the Salt Lake Temple. Their marriage of 61 years was a beautiful example of devotion, faith, and partnership.

John earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Engineering Administration from the University of Utah. He spent 45 years with Varian Medical Systems, where his work helped shape the future of medical imaging. Among his many professional accomplishments, he designed the first metal X-ray tube and other tube designs that pushed the state of the art across multiple technical disciplines. He later served as Chairman of the Utah Engineering Council.

John also devoted his life to service within the Church, including serving twice as a Bishop. John and Lenny served service missions to the LDS Business College, LDS Employment Center, and helped implement the self-reliance program in Layton, Utah. He loved the Savior and sought to live Christ’s teachings daily, quietly exemplifying faith, kindness, and integrity.

He found joy in basketball, golf, hiking, camping, and rock hounding. He was our personal in-house handyman and could fix anything. A gifted musician and artist, John loved music and was also known as a wonderful storyteller. Along with his mother and sister, he co-wrote the Book of Mormon cantata, The Light Shines Forth, a lasting testament to his faith and creativity.

John is survived by his loving wife, Lenny, and their children: Christina (Tom) Carbone, Gregory, Joseph (Jan), Jeremy (Krystal), and Nicole (Michael Evans). He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and his siblings: Verla Davidson, Hope Barrowes, DeMond, Sam, Susan Brady, and Randy.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Susan, his parents, and his siblings Bonnie Stephens, Nancy Peterson, and Glen.

Funeral services will be held as follows: A viewing on Tuesday, February 17, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah. A second viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 18, at 9:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2505 North Church Street, Layton, Utah. Interment will take place at Memorial Redwood Cemetery.

John lived a life of faith, service, and love. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the family he cherished.