Richard Slater

I was born Feb. 16, 1930, in Ogden, Utah, to Gordon L. and Breggie Wharton Slater. I was lovingly raised by my maternal grandparents, Alma Irvine and Cora Smeding Wharton. If ever I was anything, I owe it to them.

I had the good fortune to meet Mollie J Bushell. We married on Sept. 18, 1953. She presented me with four incredible children - Jack, Sandie, Scott and David - all of whom are greatly loved. Mollie preceded me in death on April 14, 1986.

After 20 years of service, I retired from Flying J. Inc. While there I met and worked with some of the finest people I have ever known. In my lifetime I have made many acquaintances, some good friends and a few true friends, all of whom impacted my life, and to them I owe a great deal. I thank them and I love them. A very special debt of gratitude to Richard, my oldest friend; Bill, my dear friend and brother; Delwin, who, like Richard, never gave up on my eternal salvation; Sammie, for her love; "E" for never forgetting; Jerry and Carma, for their love and hospitality; Jack and Sherma, Bob and Joy, and George and Gwen, for a lifetime of great memories and always knowing you were there. To my friends at Wildlife Resources, thanks for your association and dedication to your profession.

I have four precious children. Two are still living, John Richard (Jack) Slater of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Sandra (Marque) Malan of Sterling, Virginia. Two preceded me in death, Richard Scott Slater and David Richard Slater of Ogden. Other family are my beautiful grandchildren, Kristen, John, Bekah, Staphanie, Matt, Brandie and Travis; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters, Jackie (Gary) Elmer, Susan (Pete) Bullara and Peggy (Karl) Peterson; two brothers, Mike (Susan) Hogge (deceased), and Jerry (Linda) Hogge; as well as several beautiful nieces and some handsome nephews.

Thank you all for your love and respect. I will be excited to see you when you get there. But, please, don't hurry. I can wait.

If I have offended or hurt anyone, I am truly sorry. I hope you will forgive me.

Now I out walking

The world desert,

And my shoe and my stocking

Do me no hurt.

I leave behind

Good friends in town.

Let them get well-wined

And go lie down.

Don't think I leave

For the outer dark

Like Adam and Eve

Put out of the Park.

Forget the myth.

There is no one I

Am put out with

Or put out by.

Unless I'm wrong

I but obey

The urge of a song:

I'm-bound-away!

And I may return

If dissatisfied

With what I learn

From having died.

("Away!" by Robert Frost)

Richard passed away at his home in Ogden, with his children by his side on April 22, 2025.

Additions from his children: Dad spent a little over two years in Alaska with the family, living in Fairbanks and Anchorage. There he grew his trademark beard that has remained ever since. He loved Alaska perhaps more even than Hawaii, which he visited more than 14 times, although it would be close.

During his life, Richard served many people and touched many lives for the better. Among all of his accomplishments, this is his greatest, that he cared and loved.

Richard was educated in Ogden City Schools and graduated Class of 1948 from Ogden High School where he was a lieutenant in Jr. ROTC and range officer. As rifle team captain, fired second highest score in the state competition, and later joined U.S. Army. He attended Weber College, majoring in theater/speech and minoring in music. He was president of Alpha Rho Omega, and was active in community theater and was president of Ogden Chorale when they performed at the New York World Fair and Washington D.C.

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he held many positions including ward chorister, ward finance clerk, young mens leader, Sunday school teacher and, at time of death, high priest and minister.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years; his parents; and his precious grandparents.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Lindquist's Ogden Mortuary in Utah with interment at Lindquist's Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

Services were recorded and are available by scrolling to the bottom of Richard's obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com where condolences may also be shared.