Dr. Richard Gordon Hiatt, 93, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2018, in South Jordan, Utah, of pulmonary fibrosis.
Dick was born at home on November 28, 1924, in La Grande, Oregon, to John and Julia Roundy Hiatt, and was the youngest of five children. He attended local schools, graduating from La Grande High School in 1943. From a young age he loved movies and theatre and in high school was involved in journalism and drama and acted in many school plays. Dick grew up during the Great Depression and worked hard during his youth. Some of his jobs included working at a hardware store, an ice cream parlor and ‚ his favorite ‚ the Granada Theatre.
After high school Dick enlisted in the Navy, where he served his country from 1943-1946. During World War II he served aboard the USS Anderson, the USS Ruchamkin, and also spent much of his time doing office work since he was one of the few servicemen who could type and take shorthand. In 2015 he participated with other veterans in a Utah Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC, to visit the World War II Memorial.
Dick served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the French mission, headquartered in Geneva Switzerland, from 1948-1950, where he served as mission secretary, 2nd counselor to the mission president, and Branch President of the Geneva Branch.
He met Shirley Anderson, originally from Salt Lake City, at a church dance in La Grande in 1947. They were married on December 27, 1951, in the Logan, Utah, LDS Temple. They are the parents of three daughters, Barbara, Julie and Denise.
Dick received bachelor's and master's degrees in Speech from the University of Oregon, and a PhD in Theatre from Brigham Young University. He was a Professor of English, Speech and Theatre at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande for 32 years, where he was a beloved teacher and directed over 60 plays, bringing high quality theatre to the La Grande community. Following his retirement from EOU, he continued to travel throughout Oregon for several years conducting communication workshops.
Dick was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was actively engaged in church service throughout his life. His callings included institute teacher, High Councilor, Bishop of the La Grande 2nd ward, and Stake Executive Secretary of the La Grande Oregon Stake for 18 years. He was also a dedicated home teacher.
Dick and Shirley made their home in La Grande for 55 years, where they raised their three daughters. They enjoyed trips to the Oregon Coast, camping, and musical and church activities. They relocated to Sandy, Utah, in 2006, and to South Jordan, Utah, in 2017. Dick was a movie buff, story teller, puzzle do-er, grammar expert, family historian, loving husband, and devoted father and grandpa. He was fastidious about his yard, could fix just about anything, was a great whistler, and could play the piano by ear (as long as it was in the key of F); his signature song was "Blues in the Night." Always curious and engaged in the world around him, he was a wonderful friend and neighbor and could strike up a conversation with anyone. For the last several years he has lovingly cared for his wife, Shirley, who has been in failing health. He was truly a member of the Greatest Generation, a stellar example to his family, and will be deeply missed.
Dick is survived by his wife, Shirley, of South Jordan, UT; daughters Barbara Sweat (Dennis) of South Jordan, UT; Julie Higgins (Thomas) of Vancouver, WA; Denise Haynie (Joseph) of Draper, UT; 8 grandchildren, Angela Hallstrom (Woodbury, MN), Andrew Sweat (Greensboro, NC), Anthony Sweat (Springville, UT), Amy Huish (Castle Rock, Colorado), Benjamin Higgins (Seattle, WA), Julia Warren (Poway, CA), Russell Higgins (Everett, WA), and Emma Haynie (Draper, UT); and 23 great-grandchildren. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jack, Elwood, and David Hiatt; a sister, Barbara Hiatt Bean; and a great-grandson, Wyatt Hallstrom.
The family would like to thank the staff of Sagewood Assisted Living and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their loving and attentive care during the last months of Dick's life.
Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday, May 5, at 11:00 am, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd (10600 So.) in Sandy, Utah. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:45 am. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens. Online condolences may be offered at www.larkincares.com.