Richard V. Russell

Our beloved father, Richard V. Russell, 79, of Lehi, UT passed away on February 20, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Richard Russell was born to George and Twila Russell in Mt. Pleasant, UT. He spent his early childhood years in Nephi, UT before moving to Henderson, NV at the age of eight, where he later graduated from Basic High School, class of 1963.
After graduating, dad started his lifelong carrier in Masonry. He later took his skills to Southern California; while doing a job at Universal Studios, his supervisor, Bruno Franco would soon become his future brother-in-law. In late 1973, dad met the love of his life and future wife at Bruno's home, Bruno's beautiful little sister Stella. After asking Bruno's permission to take her on a date, the two quickly fell in love. Just three months later, on March 2, 1974, dad married our mother.
Mom and dad purchased their first home together shortly after getting married in Van Nuys, CA, and in March of 1976, they welcomed their firstborn son, David Scott. Dad had a dream to raise his young family in his home state of Utah, where they could enjoy open land and a slower, more peaceful lifestyle. In 1977, they made that dream a reality, moving to two acres in Lehi, UT, where they would raise their children. On Scott's third birthday, in 1979, his baby brother Doug was born. Dad was a proud father of four children: his daughters, Lynn and Antoinette, from his first marriage and his sons, Scott and Doug.
In 1982, dad founded his own company, Masonry Engineers, later in the 1990s partnering with his brother Dennis. Through years of hard work and dedication his company flourished, producing numerous buildings along the Wasatch Front. He left his mark on the community with his company's signature motto "Brick is Forever" that rings true today as his block and brick walls still stand strong. It's hard to drive through Northern Utah without seeing dad's work. As his sons grew, he brought them to the construction site, teaching them the trade and instilling in them a strong work ethic and attention to detail. Working with his boys brought him so much pride and joy. He eventually retired in 2010.
Dad had many hobbies and trades and was truly gifted with his hands. He was well known for his love of mechanics and for being highly skilled in antique car restorations. Dad owned numerous cars throughout the years and spent countless hours in the garage. Some of his cars included a 1932 Ford Model A, 1939 Willys, 1955 Chevy pickup (Scott's truck), 1956 Chevy pickup (Doug's truck), two 1956 Bel Air convertibles, 1956 Nomad, 1957 Corvette, 1956 T-Bird, 1957 Bel Air hard top, and a 1957 Chevy pickup Fleetside. Dad frequented many car shows and won awards, mainly for his 1956 Bel Air convertible with its pristinely clean, pale yellow or muck in yuk (as dad called it) interior and black exterior. Dad loved attending parades and driving the beauty queens around on the back of his car.
After the boys were raised and graduated, mom and dad built their dream home in Wallsburg, UT, a small town nestled in the mountains, surrounded by wildlife and farms. Living there for over 20 years, Wallsburg became our family's safe place. The place family and friends could congregate and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the country. This home meant so much to all of us and was the grandkids' favorite place to be. Cherry crepes and bacon on Sunday mornings, followed by fried chicken and potato salad for dinner, mom always made dad his traditional favorite Sunday meals where he always sat at the head of the table.
Dad was very specific about the things he loved and everyone around him knows those specific details about him. Dad loved a Clamato Bloody Mary and a Canadian Host with orange Mio, his Twinkies and Drumstick ice creams, walnut divinity, Jello salads, white bread soaked in milk with raw onion and salt, and trout with lazy gravy were among his favorites. He loved the Utah Jazz and BYU basketball teams, his homemade flannel shirts that mom custom sewed to fit his long arms, his Masonry Engineers t-shirts with a front pocket for his little notebook and pencil (he was always making notes). Dad loved taking mom square dancing. Dad loved visiting his daughter Lynn and her family, at her beautiful log cabin in Duck Creek Village and really enjoyed connecting with her in his later years (Lynn's assistance in his recent care was hugely appreciated.) He loved music. Some of his favorite artists and bands were ABBA, Bar J Wranglers, The Beatles, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Credence Clearwater, and Marty Robins to name a few. In his retirement, dad loved to travel with mom; they took many road trips together.
Dad made many friends over the years and will be missed by many. One of his very closest and dearest friends was our Uncle Jesse, my mom's little brother. Dad and Jesse formed a special connection and really enjoyed meeting up at car shows, especially the Cache Valley Cruise-In, in Logan, UT. They also looked forward to fishing in Mexico together, where they had many fun stories to tell, even some mischievous ones.
He had a deep love for his animals and was sure to shed a tear in their loss. Dad's favorite animals were his parakeet Cheep, that he had as a teenager, horses Buck and Bullet, Goldie (golden retriever), Molly (liver springer spaniel), Tiger (Molly's son's, liver springer spaniel), Buddy #1 (black and white Cavapoo), and Buddy #2 (grey Cavapoo).
Our father is survived by his loving wife of nearly 51 years on March 2nd, our mother Stella, son Scott and wife Sue, Rylee & Alyssa (grandchildren), son Doug and wife Ammy, Vance & Baylee & Dain (grandchildren), daughter Lynn and husband Andrew, Ricky & Ray & Rebecca (grandchildren), and daughter Antoinette. His sister Callie Hafen and husband Steve, and youngest sister Adrienne Petersen and husband Chris.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Dennis Russell, and sister Marla Madsen.
Dad loved life and truly lived it to its fullest; something we admired about him. He was a man of integrity, hard work, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on through his work and the values he instilled in his children. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will remain forever in our hearts.
A celebration of life will be determined at a later date.