Richard Ray Kennedy

Dr. Richard Kennedy

Henderson, Nevada

On February 9, 2014 our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Dr. Richard Ray Kennedy, 84, passed peacefully away in Henderson, NV in the loving arms of his beloved wife and family to begin a celebration with those who have gone on before. Richard was born in Marysvale, Utah on January 14, 1930, to Walter and Wilma Kennedy on a cold winter’s night in a log cabin. He was the first born of five children.

He met the love of his life, Leslie Kay Koelliker and married June 22, 1991 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their special love was sealed for eternity August 25, 2012 in the Las Vegas LDS Temple. This special journey began through a friendship which blossomed into a love of true soul-mates – all because two hearts fell in love.

Richard was inspired by learning and enhanced his knowledge through education. He attended Carbon College, BYU (BA and MS) and University of Arizona (PhD). Throughout this journey he was involved in his love of the wonders of rocks "Geology". He continued his endeavors by teaching at Missouri School of Mines (6 years), but the love of his Tushar Mountains in Marysvale, Utah drew him back to the West. He touched many lives through his teaching career at SLC School District (15 years), BYU Extension SLC (6 years), Utah State Prison (3 years), Southern Utah University, (15 years) and College of Southern Nevada (10 years). He was Dept. Chair, Physical Science, SUU Faculty - Senate President, and honored as "Distinguished Educator". In 1994 the State of Utah recognized Richard by naming him "Outstanding Science Educator". Additionally, he served for eight years on the Utah Geological Survey Board. Richard was a certified gemologist and appraiser and consulted in geology and mining for several companies.

Richard is remembered for his kind heart, willingness to give, sharing stories, educating and involving anyone in his passion of geology, his interest in all sports, and his love of the farm in Marysvale, Utah.

Those who were there to meet him are his parents; a son, Richard Jr., parents-in-law, additional family and friends. We are sure it was a marvelous reunion.

Those left to continue his legacy are his wife, Leslie; children from a previous marriage: Vickie (Doug) Christensen, Cami Kennedy, Kimberly Kennedy and Marc (Leslie) Kennedy; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; siblings: Russell Kennedy, Sherry Rasmussen, Kenny Kennedy, and Keith Kennedy.

He was a great man who influenced many lives and will be missed deeply. But, we know that he has many more lives to influence where he has begun his new journey.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in the Marysvale LDS Chapel, 432 W Bullion Canyon, where friends may call from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Marysvale Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salin and Manti. Online guest book at www.maglebymortuary.com