Rial Thompson

Rial Thompson Jr.
Richfield, Utah

    Rial Eugene Thompson Jr., 94, of Richfield, passed away November 10, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family. Rial was born in Norwich, New York, July 27, 1929, to Rial Eugene and Celestia Thompson. He grew up on the family farm and joined the United State Army when he was 17. Rial served in Japan from 1945 to 1947. 
    Rial was discharged from the Army in California where it was 78 degrees. After returning to Norwich where it was below zero, he vowed to get back to sunny California. It took him two years, but he finally achieved his goal. 
    While in California he met and married his wife of 70 years, Elaine Carter. They were married March 21, 1953. They had two children, Ricky and Debbie. 
    Rial was a fireman with the South Gate Fire Department, followed by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Throughout his career as a fireman, he always had side jobs. From filling gumball machines to driving truck, Rial always found a way to provide extra for his family. His true passion, however, was swap meets. Rial loved being on the hunt for a good deal on antiques, tools, or anything he could use or resell. This passion flourished when after retiring from the fire department in 1978, he and his family moved to Richfield. In 1979 they opened Nothing New Antiques on Main Street in Richfield, and that store is still there today with over a million items. 
    Anyone who knew Rial knew that he was never satisfied having just one job. He and Elaine started buying property in Richfield, and over the last 45 years have acquired more than 30 rental properties. 
    Rial was a one in a million type of husband, father and grandfather. If you met him once, you never forgot him. 
    Rial is survived by his wife, Elaine; children: Ricky and Debbie; and grandchildren: Josh Madsen, Jessie Waybrant (Steven Langford); and Roxanne (Brandon) Bobo. 
    He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers and two sisters. 
    Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 11 a.m. in the Magleby Mortuary Chapel, where friends may call Wednesday, from 6 to 7 p.m., and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery with military honors. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com  
    In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Heart Association.