Cliff Richards

Clifford Lloyd Richards was called home to his loving Heavenly Father on February 6, 2017. Clifford was born January 11, 1944 in Montrose, Colorado to Benjamin Joseph and Gertrude Elizabeth Akhurst Richards. He was the youngest of four children of that union. He attended school at Uintah School District, graduating in 1962 from Uintah High School. He graduated from College of Southern Utah with a degree in Business Administrations and Economics. Clifford honorably served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Florida Miami Mission. Upon returning he began driving truck for Howard Calder, delivering soda in Colorado and Wyoming. Cliff believed in working hard. As one of his favorite things to do, he worked the family farm throughout his youth and adult life. He sold Life Insurance during his young married life and helped his brother Bill lay Ceramic Tile. He retired from 28 years of working in the Oil Field Industry. Then he worked hauling sand for 3 years during the summer months. On September 2, 1965 Clifford was sealed to the love of his life, Nila Kay Southam, in the Manti Utah temple. Together they had 4 children, whom he supported in their endeavors. Lloyd Kay (Michelle), Bryon Lynn (Becky) Deanna (deceased 1981) and Cynthia Beth (Jonathan Morris) In 2009 Cliff and Nila became a member of the "Snow birds" and enjoyed going south for the winter months, and building a second home in Washington, Utah. Cliff enjoyed guns of all kids and things that go "Boom". He enjoyed the outdoor activities, gardening, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, camping, 4-wheeling, card games and his Cowboy Action Shooting. He enjoyed the trips to the mountain for loads of wood. He really enjoyed serving others. He could often be found with a big bowl of Orange Sherbet Ice-cream watching the sunset from the front porch bench. He enjoyed and looked forward to serving with is eternal companion in the temple. He was always a very competitive, fun loving guy. He was determined and never backed down from a challenge. Cliff served his Heavenly Father faithfully in many facets. He served many hours in the church cannery, and was a Home Teacher. He was a member of the Melchizedek Priesthood as a High Priest. Cliff leaves behind his wife of 51 years, 3 children 13 grandchildren and one Great-Grand son; he was preceded in death by his parents, sister (Betty Merrell), Sister (Pat Evans), 2 Brother in law's (Charles Gentry) (Glade Southam); Daughter Deanna, grand-daughter Averianna Morris. We thank you for the many lessons you've taught us, for the love that you have shown us, and for the hours you spent with us teaching us to be more like our Savior Jesus Christ. We miss you deeply and look forward to the day we will be reunited for all eternity. Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the Uintah Stake Center. (4080 South 2500 East). A viewing for family and friends will be at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary Friday from 6-8 PM and a Saturday from 9:45-10:45 at the Chapel prior to the services. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park, under the direction of the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.