Richard David Price

Richard David Price was born on November 21, 1970, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Marcia Hinckley Willes Price and Walter David Price. From the very beginning, Richard was a fighter. Born without an esophagus, he underwent emergency surgery to correct this life-threatening condition, a remarkable medical achievement for its time. His life began with an extraordinary fight, and that determination would become a defining part of who he was.

Richard spent his early years growing up in the Avenues of Salt Lake City before his family, later moved to Sandy, Utah. He graduated from West Jordan High School, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. His faith was an important part of his life. He held a strong testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and a deep love for His teachings.

Richard was ambitious, driven, and never afraid to pursue new opportunities. In his early twenties, he started his own mortgage company, demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age. His desire to learn and grow continued throughout his life, eventually leading him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and a master's degree in business and marketing.

On September 1, 1999, Richard married Airaka (Espinoza), and their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. The greatest joy of Richard's life came through the children they shared, Laurissa Nichole West and Logan David Price. His children were the light of his life, and his love for them was immeasurable. He encouraged them to discover their gifts, follow their passions, and never be afraid to pursue the things that made their hearts come alive. He wanted them to know that their dreams mattered and that they should always make room in their lives for the things they loved.

At heart, Richard considered himself an artist first and foremost. He dreamed of becoming a comic book writer and carried a deep love for the arts, storytelling, and the written word. Writing was one of the ways he made sense of the world around him. He loved documenting life, journaling experiences, and preserving thoughts and memories through words. He was also a published author and an advocate for mental health. He understood the importance of compassion and connection and never wanted anyone to feel alone. In his own way, he continually tried to reach out to others and remind them that they mattered.

Richard had a personality that was impossible to overlook. His boisterous laughter and witty, dry sense of humor could lighten even the heaviest of rooms. He had a way of bringing humor into difficult moments and leaving an impression on those around him. Beneath that humor was a compassionate heart and a genuine concern for others.

Richard endured more than his share of life's hardships. Throughout his lifetime, he survived multiple near-death experiences and was brought back to life twice. Time and again, he faced circumstances that would have brought many to their knees, yet he continued to fight. He was a fighter from the very beginning to the very end, meeting life's challenges with a resilience that was uniquely his own.

Above all, Richard was a father, an artist, a writer, a man of faith, and a person who cared deeply about the people around him. His life was shaped by courage, creativity, humor, perseverance, and a desire to make a difference. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the things he accomplished, but also in the love he gave, the stories he told, the laughter he shared, and the encouragement he offered to those he loved.

Richard's life was a testament to the strength of the human spirit. He fought hard, loved deeply, and continued to find ways to reach others through his words, his humor, and his heart. He will be remembered for his extraordinary resilience, his creative spirit, his unwavering faith, and, most of all, the love he held for his children.

His story will continue in the lives he touched, the words he left behind, and the children who were always the light of his life.

Those He Leaves Behind

Richard is survived by his loving and devoted parents, Marcia Hinckley Willes Price and Walter David Price; his beloved children, Laurissa Nichole West and her husband, Garrison West, and Logan David Price and his partner, Sydney Sorensen; and his former spouse, Airaka Hayes.

He is also survived by his siblings: Stephanie Price; Rob Price and his wife, Monica; Melinda Bryant and her husband, Chris; Lissa Cutler and her husband, Steve; and Megan Ford and her husband, Abe. He leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and extended family members who will remember him with love.

Those Who Preceded Him in Death
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents.

A funeral services will be held on Monday, November 2nd, 2026 at 11:00 am at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S. SLC, UT 84108 with a viewing prior from 9:30 - 10:45 am. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Lawn. You may watch the service online through Zoom using the "Watch Service" button above.