On Saturday, January 21, our incredible Dad, loving husband, devoted brother, and cool Grandpa passed away peacefully and quietly, just as he lived his life, in his home surrounded by his family, which is just as he would have wanted.
Richard R. Syme Sr. was born May 2, 1934 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the son of Darius Matthew (Peke) Syme and Harriott Evaline (Eve) Rollins. Growing up on a ranch in the small Wyoming town of Lyman where most of the residents were either family or close friends, he quickly learned the value of hard work, the love of family, and the importance of faith.
He attended school in Lyman, graduating from Lyman High School with a love of life, a love of people, and a love of sports while competing in basketball and eight man football.
After high school, he answered a call to serve an LDS mission in the Central States Mission. Returning home, he enlisted in the US Army where he served as a Medical Corpsman at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia.
It was while at at Fort Benning that he met Elizabeth Joye Layfield. They were married on March 14, 1958 in Columbus, Georgia later to be sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on March 14, 1966.
Richard graduated from Mortuary Science School in Dallas, Texas and for the next 40 plus years served proudly and compassionately as a Funeral Director; beginning with Larkin Mortuary in Ogden and retiring from Larkin Mortuary in Salt Lake City. He loved his job serving families at those very difficult times in their lives.
Richard R Jr. was born in 1958 and Michael Jay in 1961 their family was complete. Soon after they relocated to Ogden, finally settling in North Ogden in 1963. They developed a wonderful life and many friends living in North Ogden participating in church assignments, civic duties, and community events. They especially loved working together with young men and women in teaching, leading, coaching or in any way they could give of themselves. They were incredibly proud of their two boys and were always involved in their lives leading, guiding, supporting, and especially loving them.
On April 21, 1979 he and his sons hearts were broken when they lost his wife and their mom in an automobile accident.
It was a very difficult time for many years until the day when he and Sharon Piersanti were fortunate enough to find each other and fall in love at just the right time of life. They developed a special friendship and companionship and on April 23, 1991 were married. That was a great day and was followed by nearly 26 years of living life, making each other smile, supporting each others kids and adoring their grandkids and great-grandkids. Sharon, who he loved very much, was a godsend and constantly shared her love, support, and companionship until the very end, along with her three wonderful children and their families.
Richard is survived by his wife Sharon, two sons Richard R. Jr. ,and Michael Jay, two step-sons Jeff Piersanti (Mary), Kelly Piersanti (Jaimie), a step daughter, Colette Checketts (Ray), two sisters Phyllis Blackburn (Rock Springs), Nadine Owens (Portland), 16 grandkids, and 10 great-grandkids.
He was preceded in death by his wife Joye, his daughter-in-law Wendy Syme, his mother and Father, brother Marvin, brother Jay and his wife Edie, brothers-in-law Milton Ferrin and Oliver Morretti.
We would like to give a special heartfelt thanks to all the many friendships that were developed at Larkin and Sons Mortuary and especially to the Larkin family for the many years of opportunities, support, and friendship.
Viewings will be held from 6:00 ‚ 8:00pm on Thursday, January 26 and Friday, January 27, 9:30-10:45 at the North Ogden 6th Ward building located at 770 East 2100 North in North Ogden
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 27 at 11:00am
Interment, Ben Lomond cemetery in North Ogden.
