Richard Junius Carling

1937 - 2024

Richard Junius Carling

1937 - 2024

Richard Junius Carling, age 86, crossed his final finish line on April 30th, 2024, passing away peacefully in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by his beloved family.

Born on December 6, 1937, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Jacob Junius Carling and Reba Olsen Carling, Richard was the eldest of three children. He grew up in the St. Mary's Park area of Salt Lake City, where he graduated from East High School in 1956.

Two days after returning from a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Southern Australia, Richard met Diane Saxey during a skiing trip at Brighton Ski Resort. From that day forward, Richard and Diane were inseparable. In the summer of 1961, Richard and Diane were married in the Salt Lake Temple, marking the beginning of a union that would span over 62 years.

His family was the central focus and most important part of his life. He loved spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. He actively participated in each of his kids' lives. He attended all school and extracurricular events, always first to offer congratulations on a job well done.

In 1967, Richard began his political career, following recruitment from local Republican Party leaders. He served in the Utah State Legislature for 23 years (1967-1990), including 7 years in the House of Representatives and 16 years in the Senate.

Richard held profound respect and deep affection for the Utah Highway Patrol. To him, the Highway Patrol and the Troopers were family. He was a steadfast advocate, always eager to hear their stories and ensure their well-being. He loved spending time with them and cherished his time serving on the Honorary Colonels.

Post-legislature, he chaired the Commission of Criminal and Juvenile Justice for eight years and served as vice chairman of the ethics committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics. His civic dedication extended to 25 years on the Primary Children's Hospital Governing Board and advisory roles at the U of U College of Nursing. Richard was instrumental in founding the Honorary Colonels, supporting the Utah Highway Patrol for over 33 years. He also served the University of Utah Alumni Association and Emeritus Board with distinction.

At the age of 39, following a health scare on the floor of the Senate, Richard took up running, which soon turned into a passion for marathons. Over his lifetime, he completed more than 175 marathons, including 39 consecutive Boston Marathons and 45 entries in the St. George Marathon. His personal best marathon time of 2:32:21 in 1982 at the St. George Marathon remains a highlight of his athletic career.

Richard's presence in City Creek Canyon transcended running; he became a legendary figure whose spirit and dedication left an unforgettable mark on the local running community. His uplifting presence, friendly demeanor, and genuine kindness endeared him to all who ran alongside him. He was an evangelist for running, successfully convincing many novice runners to register for and complete a marathon.

Richard was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of his favorite callings was serving as the chapter advisor for the Sigma Gamma Chi POGO Chapter at the University of Utah. Richard effortlessly integrated himself into the fraternity's dynamic as "one of the guys," earning him the admiration, respect, and affection of its members.

Richard and Diane loved to travel and made friends wherever they went. They loved spending time in Hawaii, especially Maui, where he could be found running "an easy seven up Kaanapali" in the early hours of the morning.

Richard and Diane lived in the same house for over five decades. Richard was a familiar and beloved figure in the neighborhood, known for his enthusiasm and charisma. He was often seen talking with neighbors while gardening with Diane in the evenings.

Richard is survived by his four children: Angie Meyers (Mike), Cindy Carling Cowley (Michael), Teresa Carling Jones, and Douglas Carling (Kellie); 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his siblings, DeeAnn Robinson (Clark, deceased) and Mike Carling (Sallie Cheatham Cutler). He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Saxey Carling, and his parents, Jacob Junius Carling and Reba Olsen Carling Aldous.

Funeral services for Richard will be held at the Crestview Ward, 2795 East Crestview Drive, Salt Lake City on Saturday, May 11, at 12:00 p.m. Viewings will be held on Friday evening, May 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, and Saturday beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Crestview Ward.

Full obituary and Zoom link to watch the services live:

https://www.larkinmortuary.com/obituary/view/richard-j-carling/

Over 175 Marathons including:

•Boston Marathon: Completed 39 times consecutively, Boston Marathon Quarter Century Club, Ranked 8th in the number of consecutive Bostons in 2017, only 21 people have run more Boston Marathons than Richard as of December 2023

•St. George Marathon: 45 times, inducted into the St. George Marathon Road of Honor, Top 10 finisher 1982, Legend of the St. George Marathon 2011

•Honolulu Marathon: 37 times

•Deseret News Marathon: 40 times

Best Marathon Time: 2:32:21