LeRoy Richard "Dick" Strong

1926 ~ 2021

Obituary Photo for LeRoy Richard "Dick" Strong < >

Viewing:

Sept. 2, 2021
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary (1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah 84092)
  • Directions to Viewing
  • Service:

    Sept. 2, 2021
    2:00 PM
    Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary (1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah 84092)
  • Directions to Service
  • LeRoy Richard “DICK” Strong - Our beloved Father, Grandfather and Great-grandfather and Friend passed away peacefully Monday, August 23, 2021, in his cherished summer home at Bear Lake in Fish Haven, Idaho. Dick was born March 29, 1926, to LeRoy Hobson Strong and Gladys Evelyn Eliza Taylor Strong in Logan, Utah. Dick had three younger siblings - Evelyn, Patricia and David. He grew up in Logan and Ogden, and then his family moved to SLC where he attended Granite High School. Immediately following graduation in 1944, Dick joined the United States Navy to defend his country during World War II. He served as a Photographer's Mate, 2nd Class, until his honorable discharge in 1946. Near the end of his Naval service, he married his sweetheart Beth Adell Jensen of SLC on March 13, 1946, in the Salt Lake Temple. They had five children - Scott (Jane), Brook (Bobbi), Kirk (Karen), Vicki (Farrell Forsberg), and Stacy (Brent Toolson).

    After the Navy, Dick went into auto sales. Born into an automobile family, he had worked in the industry most of his life and soon became the owner of his own dealership - Dick Strong Triumph Sales. Then in 1963 he became the Owner and General Manager of Roy Strong Motors in Ogden, Utah selling Volkswagens, Audis and Porsches. Dick was a very successful dealer and in 1972 he was elected President of the Utah Automobile Dealers Association. He took his position very seriously and chose to travel to visit every new car dealer in the State of Utah to help them succeed. He firmly believed and was recognized for promoting customer care and communication as the keys to success. He gained a lasting reputation as an honest, fair and caring businessman. Dick was rarely idle and upon retirement he chose to sell real estate for Century 21. His genuine concern and love of people helped make him a successful realtor.

    Dick was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. Because of his military service, he regretted that he was unable to serve a mission. It thrilled him to later be called as a Stake missionary. He served faithfully in many callings including Bishopric Counselor, MIA President, a Tour Guide on Temple Square and a Visitor’s Guide at the Paris, Idaho Tabernacle. After the passing of his dear wife in 2009, he attended the Salt Lake Temple 5 days a week as a patron and simultaneously served weekly as a baptistry ordinance worker.

    Of all his accomplishments, the greatest one was his unselfish service to his family, neighbors and friends. He found great joy in making life easier for others. He was very attentive to his mother’s needs through her 98 yrs. of living; he took care of his beloved wife who was in a wheelchair with arthritis for several years - doing all the cooking, cleaning, shopping and her personal care; and in addition, he always found time to be an amazing father/ grandfather, happily tending grandchildren and often driving them to sports, dance and other various appointments. On top of this, he made the best roast beef dinner every Sunday for his family for many, many years. No one could make roast beef like him!

    Dick is survived by his brother Dave (Merle); four of his five children - Scott, Kirk, Vicki, Stacy and their spouses; 25 grandchildren; and 66 great-grandchildren. He was joyfully greeted in heaven by countless loved ones including his beautiful wife, Adell; his son Brook and daughter in law who passed together very young; his parents and sisters. Thank you, Dad, for blessing the lives of all of us, and for providing our family gathering spot - Strong’s Heavenly Haven at Bear Lake. Until we meet again, our love is always with you.

    Funeral Services will be held Thursday, September 2, 2021, at 2:00 pm at
    Larkin Sunset Gardens
    1950 East 10600 South
    Sandy, Utah
    With a viewing from 12:45 to 1:45 prior to the services. Interment will be at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.

    The family wishes to thank Tucker and Sarah Toolson, the Courtyard at Jamestown and Carol Harris of Brio Hospice service for their excellent care of Dick in his golden years. Also, the aid of Kathy Perkins of Symbii Hospice Service during his passing.


    Guestbook/Condolences

    Carole and I send our most sincere condolences to the Strong family on the occasion of the passing of our long-time dear friend Dick Strong. We worked together in the Ward on many great causes in the Kingdom and often saw Dick as we both served in the Salt Lake Temple. We will miss him.


    - Chuck Akerlow

    I wanted to send my love to your family. Your dad was such a kind and generous man, along with all of the Strong family.
    I loved growing up in Fish Haven and being able to go fish and play down at the resort and boat dock -being able to take my own family down later. Always, if Brother Strong was outside, he would greet us with a smile and welcome us. Sometimes he would invite us inside for a visit and a treat as well. He was so friendly.
    I am sure he and my father have greeted each other with a big hug and are getting ready for the big reunion when we will all be together again.❤️❤️


    - Lisa Nelson Hannemann

    By his very nature, Dick was and is an extraordinary good person. As with all his service, he was a faithful home teacher to us. He was always cheerful and uplifting to be around. He never complained, but he did miss Adell and looked forward to being with her again. His life was a blessing to so many. May faith and sweet memories bring peace to the many who grieve. Dale & Jan Lambert


    - Dale & Jan Lambert

    Dick Strong was one of the last great original P-3 members. The Koelliker family fondly remembers him, his beautiful wife and family and sends our condolences. A man of service to friends and neighbors. As a child, trick or treating on Halloween was never finished until a stop at the Strongs, who always had the best treat!


    - Mark Koelliker

    Dick was, without fail, happy and upbeat. It was always fun to be with him. One memorable moment was eating at Hire's after a temple session and seeing him wolf down a chili cheese dog.


    - Bryce G Barker