Richard (Ricky) Paul Phillips, age 55, passed away at home on January 29, 2016, of natural causes. Richard was born in Salt Lake City to Richard Heber Phillips and Patricia Demopoulos Phillips.
Rick was always an inquisitive person. Even as a child he would take apart and rebuild toys and radios. He played Rose Park boys baseball and was a Boy Scout. He began making Super 8 movies as a teenager and developed a true love of film. Rick also always loved television. He learned TV production at West High and right after graduating in 1978 he went to work at Channel 4. He spent 20 years working as a floor director, news director, and running master control.
After leaving Channel 4 Rick worked full time with his other love, computers. He taught himself to program in Java, Flash, and many Mac languages. He recently began working for CallTower; a job he loved and a company that has been incredibly supportive of our family during this difficult time.
Rick was the oldest sibling and took on the role of dad after the death of his father, especially to his niece Cori. He was beloved by all of his nieces and nephews and was a role model and inspiration to them.
Our family has been amazed by all the loving messages we have received and stories we've heard. Everyone that met Rick truly loved Rick. Over and over again we've heard how gentle and calm he was even in the stressful environment of TV news.
If you spoke to Rick, you'd be laughing. He was a very funny person that always knew how to make your day better. He had a quick wit, but was even quicker to appreciate a good joke thrown his way.
Rick loved his family and we loved him. He was our leader and greatest supporter. He will be greatly missed.
Survived by his mother (Mammit) Pat and step-father Larry Talmadge, brothers Bob and Tim (Leslie) Phillips, and sisters Cindy Taylor and Rita (Ken) Norlund. Nephews Jacob, Justin, Jackson, and Jaden. Nieces Cori (Jesse), McKell, Paige, Bridget and Eliza and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Preceded in death by his father Richard, niece Elena and nephew TJ.
Services will be held Friday, February 5, at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple. The family will be receiving guests at 11:30am and the service starts at 12:00pm. Light refreshments will be served immediately following the service at First Presbyterian Church, 12 "C" Street, just off South Temple.
