Richard Warde Lee

Richard Warde Lee passed away peacefully in his home in Mapleton, Utah, on September 23, 2025, at the age of 77. He was born October 15, 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Malcolm Warde Lee and Verna Love Beardshall Lee. He grew up with three older sisters and one younger brother. He married his eternal companion, Linda Jean Law, in the Salt Lake Temple on August 21, 1973. Together they shared more than 52 years of loving, learning, and growing together. His family meant the world to him.

Richard is survived by his wife Linda, his children Tracey (Michael) McPeters, Terrell (Katie) Lee, Thomas (Brad) Lee, Christopher (Natalie) Lee, and Megan (Michael) Meraz; his sister Barbara Lee Peterson; and his ten grandchildren: Mikey, Lexi, Hailey, Natalee, Sydney, Cameron, Ares, Lilith, David, and Matthew. He is now reunited with his parents and siblings Patricia Lee Harrington, Sandra Lee Fagg, and Michael Kent Lee, along with many other close family members.

Richard pursued his education at Brigham Young University where he studied animal science, microbiology, and chemistry. He later built a 40-year career in hospital administration at the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics where he served as a director. He was respected for his determination, out-of-the-box thinking, and reliability. His employees responded to his kindness and individual attention. Richard also served faithfully in the United States Army Reserves for 29 years, retiring in 2007 with the rank of Master Sergeant. His sense of responsibility and patriotism guided his service to his country and community and provided him with many opportunities.

Richard was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served as a missionary in the California North Mission from 1966 to 1968 and went on to bless the lives of many through service in numerous callings. His testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel was strong and motivated many of the choices he made in life. He served others by volunteering for various service opportunities and stepping in to help others whenever he saw a need.

Richard cared for others through service and giving gifts. He went out of his way for his family and others. Whenever possible, he participated in welfare projects, helped families move, or helped someone with car or home repairs. His grandchildren loved going to museums and other excursions because they knew Grandpa was going to buy them something from the gift shop.

Richard was fascinated by science, history and the natural world. He could often be found reading or watching documentaries on everything from prehistoric dinosaurs, to ancient Egypt and astronomy.

During his final illness, Richard found joy in sharing his testimony and love of the gospel with those who ministered to him. He enjoyed serving as a greeter for church services, trying to learn the names of as many young children as possible and welcoming them to church by name.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the Mapleton 29th Ward LDS Chapel located at 1050 North 300 West, Mapleton, Utah. A viewing for friends and family will be held Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary located at 82 West 400 North, Mapleton, Utah, and on Thursday just prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park located at 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Thank you to the Dignity Hospice team who gave so much care and comfort to Richard and his family during the final days of his life.

Livestream can be viewed below, or at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/XTUXs0KU-WM?feature=share 

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