WILLIAM JENSEN RICHARDS of Aetna, AB, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022 in Cardston, AB at the age of 88 years. He was the seventh child born of nine, to Nephi and Hazel Jensen Richards. Bill married Kathryn Brooks on December 26, 1961 and together they had four children, Lesley (Kevin Soper), Janni (Kevin Zemp), Amanda (Tyler Baker), and Ed (Sonja Lyon).
He is predeceased by both his parents, daughter Lesley, brothers Dick, Hyrum and Nephi, brothers-in-law Arnold Gillies and Bill Wiggle, sisters-in-law Jean Redwine, Gwen Broadhead, and Betty Purnell, and several special nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his wife, three children, sons-in-law and daughter-in-law, 17 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two brothers Dan (Jacquie Dovey) and Bruce (Pearl McAllister), three sisters Jean Gillies, Retta Wiggle, and Belle Stewart, sister-in-law Nancy Marble, and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Bill was a teacher by profession and taught in Cardston for 35 years, where he was best remembered as a high school math teacher. He also enjoyed farming and working with cattle.
He loved rock work and built more than 20 fireplaces for family and friends, his first being in his family home.
In 1985, Bill and Kathy created RichArts, and he began carving birds and animals. Over the years he carved over 9,000 pieces that found their way through all parts of the world.
He loved all aspects of sports—coaching, playing, and watching. He played in a variety throughout his life, and coached both little league and high school baseball. He especially enjoyed the live Blue Jays games that he was able to attend.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held many church positions in the ward and stake. He loved the Aetna Ward and served as bishop there for over seven years.
He had a great love for home and family and never ventured far from either. He always made time to stop what he was doing to visit with friends and he loved company.
His funeral service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, South Hill Chapel, on Friday, December 30 at 1:00 pm. Friends may meet the family from 12:00-12:45 pm prior to the service. Internment will follow at the Aetna Cemetery.
Recorded service will be available later.
He is predeceased by both his parents, daughter Lesley, brothers Dick, Hyrum and Nephi, brothers-in-law Arnold Gillies and Bill Wiggle, sisters-in-law Jean Redwine, Gwen Broadhead, and Betty Purnell, and several special nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his wife, three children, sons-in-law and daughter-in-law, 17 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two brothers Dan (Jacquie Dovey) and Bruce (Pearl McAllister), three sisters Jean Gillies, Retta Wiggle, and Belle Stewart, sister-in-law Nancy Marble, and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Bill was a teacher by profession and taught in Cardston for 35 years, where he was best remembered as a high school math teacher. He also enjoyed farming and working with cattle.
He loved rock work and built more than 20 fireplaces for family and friends, his first being in his family home.
In 1985, Bill and Kathy created RichArts, and he began carving birds and animals. Over the years he carved over 9,000 pieces that found their way through all parts of the world.
He loved all aspects of sports—coaching, playing, and watching. He played in a variety throughout his life, and coached both little league and high school baseball. He especially enjoyed the live Blue Jays games that he was able to attend.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held many church positions in the ward and stake. He loved the Aetna Ward and served as bishop there for over seven years.
He had a great love for home and family and never ventured far from either. He always made time to stop what he was doing to visit with friends and he loved company.
His funeral service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, South Hill Chapel, on Friday, December 30 at 1:00 pm. Friends may meet the family from 12:00-12:45 pm prior to the service. Internment will follow at the Aetna Cemetery.
Recorded service will be available later.