John Richard Mitchell, 87, died at his home on Monday, December 6, 2022. He was born May 24, 1935, in Salt Lake City to Martha and Nephi “Lorenzo” Mitchell.
He attended Davis High School, after which he started his first job with Highland Dairy. A short time later, he discovered his passion for pipe organs when he took a position with Wicks Pipe Organ Co. He had an ear for tuning organs and became a very talented pipe organ technician while working at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. He worked for Wicks most of his career and retired after 50 years of exceptional service. He had a reputation that brought him clients from all over the western states. He logged thousands of miles in his “fancy” trucks. A true road warrior.
He had four beautiful girls, Debra Mitchell Weiss, Cynthia Warriner, Karen Mitchell, and Theresa Gustufson, with his first wife, Pat Langford. He loved his children and grandchildren very much and enjoyed spending time with them whenever he had the opportunity.
Richard met the love of his life, Connie Heath, and they married in 1992. Richard was a loving and devoted husband; they loved to travel and camp together; you could find them camping, fishing, and boating at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir every summer.
Richard was an avid fisherman. He loved to teach anyone who wanted to learn, especially his grandkids. He was very patient and kind with every one of them. His favorite rivers to fish were the Madison and the Green. Richard was passionate about gardening; he planted hundreds of flowers, bulbs, and vegetables every year; he even won awards for the most beautiful garden. The hours spent every day were enjoyed by many; he generously shared his abundance with all of his neighbors. Richard was the life of the party; everyone who knew him loved him. His smile, laughter, and jokes will be missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Lorenzo; sister Betty and two brothers, Kenneth and David; and daughters Theresa, Karen, and Cynthia. Richard is survived by his wife Connie, daughter Debra, step-daughter Jaclynn, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his sisters Jane Ann (Howard), Kay, and sister-in-law Judy.
A viewing will be held from 4:00-5:00 pm then a gathering and sharing of memories from 5:00-6:00 pm Sunday, December 11, 2022, at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, Utah , 84010.
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