Richard "Dick" Bethers Jr., 75, passed away at home Wednesday, June 14, 2017. He was born June 10, 1942 in Park City, Utah to Hazel Neel and Richard Afton Bethers.
Dick retired from Silver State Inc, where he was a loyal and successful salesman for 42 years. He joined S.L. County Search and Rescue in 1976, earning his way to Commander from 1981-1994.His proudest accomplishment was becoming President of Mountain Rescue Association from 1991-1993. He also served as one of two volunteer medics on the Salt Lake County SWAT Team. He was happiest while climbing. He summited most peaks in Utah in addition to Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Whitney and the Matterhorn.
A dear friend described Dick best: Dick was a good friend and gave a lot of his life to the betterment of our community and the whole country. He was among the top Search and Rescue professionals in the country and an untold number of folks owe their lives and that of their loved ones to Dick's dedication and perseverance.
The family would like to thank Thad Moore and Mike Wilkinson for their impeccable timing to help support them during this difficult time. They would also like to thank Gary Banks, Alan Erdahl, Greg Gill, Lane Larkin and Tim Fisher for always sending Dick home safely. A special thank you to Audrey and Brittaney, from IHC Hospice, for their tender care and support they provided to him during his last few weeks, as well as the countless doctors and nurses that tended to him over the past year.
Dick is survived by his wife, Maria, of 54 years; daughters Nicole (Shane) Moreno and Jennifer Wright (Jon); 3 granddaughters Viviana, Kiley and Elysia, and 1 grandson, Hunter.
Preceded in death by: Parents, Afton and Hazel Bethers, sisters Scheri Krug and Kay Lewis, many aunts and uncles.
A celebration of Dick's life will be held at the family Deer Mountain home, 12421 North Ross Creek Drive, Deer Mountain, Utah on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 10 am to Noon.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Dick's honor to Mountain Rescue Association at: http://mra.org/donate/
