Albert "Dean" Richardson passed away Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at the young age of 94 from complications resulting from a fall. Dean was born February 29, 1924 in Salt Lake City to Albert and Anna Dora Richardson. Dean was the sixth of eight children, the oldest of 3 boys. Dean is survived by one sibling, his brother William Richardson, who resides in Reno Nevada.
Dean grew up on the west side of Salt Lake City and attended West High School. When Dean met Nedra Meinhart, it was love at first sight. Dean and Nedra were married July 27, 1947 and had two sons, Albert Dean Richardson Jr." Richie\", and Mark M. Richardson. Dean and Nedra were avid rockhounds and spent many loving years combing the deserts of southern Utah and Arizona, looking for natures treasures. Nedra preceded him in death on February 12, 1999. His son Richie also preceded him in death in September of 2016. Dean is survived by his son Mark.
Dean married Joyce Nielsen January 3, 2000. Joyce preceded him in death on June 6, 2003.
Dean is survived by his wife, Bernice Westfall Richardson. They were married on September 25, 2007. They have been constant, loving companions and Dean took great pride in taking good care of Bernice, even as he advanced in age.
Dean served his career and retired from the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major. Dean was a "Combat Veteran" of World War II, and was a highly decorated soldier and true patriot.
In his early life, Dean owned and operated the Sinclair Service Station at 1000 W. North Temple, which at the time was the gateway to the City.
Dean was an advocate for shared land use, belonging to the Blue Ribbon Coalition and USA All. He spent countless hours volunteering his time to assure that public lands remain open to all.
Dean was President of the Utah Federation of the Wasatch Gem Society for 20 years, and also served many other jobs for the Society. He made many friends there. The family would like to give special thanks to his rockhound friend, Carma Tenney.
A public viewing will be held Tuesday, February 12 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Utah Veterans Memorial Park,17111 S Camp Williams Rd, Bluffdale, UT. The funeral service will be held in the chapel on the 12th at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Utah Veterans Memorial Park.
