Richard Spencer

1943 - 2025

Richard Phil Spencer

1943 ~ 2025

- Richard Phil Spencer, age 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 12, 2025.

Rich was born November 2, 1943 in Logan, Utah, to Phil Muir Spencer and Ruth Wennergren Spencer.

He spent his childhood in Evanston, Wyoming, and graduated from Evanston High School. After graduation, Rich attended Utah State University for one year where he met his dear wife, Paula Ann Whitehouse.

From 1963-1965, Rich served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Uruguay, where he touched many lives over the course of two years. It was here that he developed a deep love for the Latino culture and fluency in the Spanish language. Throughout his life, he embraced every opportunity to speak Spanish.

After completing his church mission, Rich attended the University of Utah, where he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in economics in 1968. He was also a graduate of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) and a commissioned officer in the United States Army Reserve.

On June 29, 1968, Rich and Paula were sealed for time and eternity in the Manti Utah Temple, a moment that marked the beginning of a loving and faithful marriage that spanned 57 years. Together, they raised 5 children and have 15 grandchildren through a legacy of love, faith, and kindness.

During their first years of marriage in 1968-1970, Rich attended and graduated from Harvard Business School with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA).

Rich had a successful business career which led his family to live in many different places, including abroad in Mexico City. He played an integral role in shaping the financial and operational strategies of many organizations. Throughout his career, he was known for his integrity and dedication, and showed genuine care for colleagues and clients.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rich's journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion and his unwavering faith in God and Jesus Christ. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life. He had a love of the scriptures and read them daily. Rich served in many church callings and found particular joy in serving in the Draper Utah Temple. Rich and Paula also served a memorable 18-month mission together in Guatemala.

Rich was many things in his lifetime-a hardworking professional, a loyal friend, a devoted spouse, and a loving parent-but his greatest joy came from being a parent and grandpa. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's music concerts, dance performances and sporting events. He made each of his grandchildren feel special and expressed interest in each of their lives – always asking questions about their school, sports, careers and activities. Grandpa's hugs were famous among his grandchildren.

Though we will deeply miss his presence, we are comforted in the knowledge that death is not the end. We are grateful for Rich's legacy of love, faith, and kindness. His example will continue to guide and inspire us until we meet again.

Rich is survived by his loving wife Paula, his 5 children: Justin (Kristen) Spencer, Ryan (Allison) Spencer, Derek (Angie) Spencer, Shelley (Travis) Gunther, and Courtney (Conrad) Stutznegger and his 15 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Renae (Dan) Forbush, and Jan (Paul) Hyde as well as his brother-in-law Jim Coulson.

He is preceded in death by his parents Phil and Ruth Spencer, and sister Arlene Coulson.

A viewing will take place on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 10:00 - 11:45 a.m. The funeral service will follow starting at 12:00 p.m. The location will be the Crescent 2nd Ward building located at 10975 S Prescott Drive, Sandy, Utah 84092. The interment will take place after the funeral service at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, Utah 84092.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choosing.