Richard Gene Mecham departed for his final adventure on Friday, August 17, 2018 in Delta, Utah. He will be remembered for his bright, sheepish grin when he was about to start some mischief, his endearing sense of humor, his gentle demeanor, a deep love for his family and his willingness to serve and give, unselfishly, when others were in need.
Born September 14, 1945, to Kenneth and Nina Mecham, Richard lived life his own willful way. He graduated from Delta High School where he excelled at wrestling and was part of the state championship team. After high school, he attended Utah Trade Technical Institute to study diesel mechanics. He volunteered to serve in the US Navy, aboard the USS Platte, during the Vietnam War. When he returned to the United States, Richard married his sweetheart, Diane Larsen and spent the next 50 years finding funny, loving ways to keep her on her feet.
Richard volunteered for service with the Millard County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue as well as the Delta Fire Department. He worked as an industrial mechanic at Brush Wellman until his retirement in 2001. In addition to keeping their equipment running nonstop, Richard was recognized for designing a system that allowed the company to recycle oil for the machinery and save money.
In his spare time, Richard could be found in the mountains, caves and deserts around Delta with his children and a stack of their favorite, canned corned beef sandwiches. Spending summers in Oak City Canyon with his family and his trailer were his favorite vacations. He enjoyed driving his four-wheeler with any willing rider hanging on behind him. Adventures with Richard were an opportunity for making new memories, as well as learning about history and his respect for other cultures.
Richard’s other favorite pastime was his garage where one was offered a cold drink, a listening ear and sound advice. Here he spent hours building creative household items that would make life easier for Diane. Favorite family memories include spending quality time in the garage with Richard pondering life’s lessons while building projects and learning to take care of cars.
Richard is survived by his wife: Diane Mecham; his son: Daryl (Heidi) and grandchildren: Miranda, Samantha, Jadon, and Joanna; his daughter: Gina (Kevin) and grandchildren: Sierra, Weston (Jessica), Wynree (great granddaughter), Katie-Lynn, Olivia, and Duncan; his son: Jermey (Stephanie) and grandchildren: Tyler (Miguel), Zachary, Shawn, Sarah and Alyssa; his sisters: Betty (Keith) and LaDawn (DeMar). Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister: Dorothy; and his brother: Ronald.
The family wish to extend their gratitude to the incredible nursing staff at the Millard County Care and Rehabilitation. Their ongoing care and dedication allowed Diane and the family to have some peace and quality time with Richard in his final days. They also wish to extend their appreciation to the wonderful medical staff at Utah Valley Hospital and their dedication to the ongoing care of both himself and Diane each time he went back to visit them. Finally, they are thankful for Dr. Chun Hwang’s and Dr. Michael Pearce’s committed efforts, making sure Richard received the best care he needed, and his family received the answers and support they needed about his health.
On July 7, 2018, Richard and Diane’s family gathered for a celebration of his life. Laughter about stories of a life well lived was shared along with some tears. What remains from that perfect day, and Richard’s life, is a legacy he has built filled with love, joy, and acceptance. He has left the best parts of himself in his children and grandchildren to carry on his amazing example of a loving person, husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend.
Graveside services will be shared with the community Richard loved and diligently served at the Delta Cemetery in Delta, Utah on August 24, 2018 at 11:00 am.