1943 ~ 2025
Friday Aug 22, 2025: 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Friday Aug 22, 2025: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Friday Aug 22, 2025: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Richard Phil Spencer, age 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 12, 2025.
Rich was born November 2, 1943 in Logan, Utah, to Phil Muir Spencer and Ruth Wennergren Spencer.
He spent his childhood in Evanston, Wyoming, and graduated from Evanston High School. After graduation, Rich attended Utah State University for one year where he met his dear wife, Paula Ann Whitehouse.
From 1963-1965, Rich served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Uruguay, where he touched many lives over the course of two years. It was here that he developed a deep love for the Latino culture and fluency in the Spanish language. Throughout his life, he embraced every opportunity to speak Spanish.
After completing his church mission, Rich attended the University of Utah, where he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1968. He was also a graduate of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) and a commissioned officer in the United States Army Reserve.
On June 29, 1968, Rich and Paula were sealed for time and eternity in the Manti Utah Temple, a moment that marked the beginning of a loving and faithful marriage that spanned 57 years. Together, they raised 5 children and have 15 grandchildren through a legacy of love, faith, and kindness.
During their first years of marriage in 1968-1970, Rich attended and graduated from Harvard Business School with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA).
Rich had a successful business career which led his family to live in many different places, including abroad in Mexico City. He played an integral role in shaping the financial and operational strategies of many organizations. Throughout his career, he was known for his integrity and dedication, and showed genuine care for colleagues and clients.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rich’s journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion and his unwavering faith in God and Jesus Christ. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life. He had a love of the scriptures and read them daily. Rich served in many church callings and found particular joy in serving in the Draper Utah Temple. Rich and Paula also served a memorable 18-month mission together in Guatemala.
Rich was many things in his lifetime—a hardworking professional, a loyal friend, a devoted spouse, and a loving parent—but his greatest joy came from being a parent and grandpa. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s music concerts, dance performances and sporting events. He made each of his grandchildren feel special and expressed interest in each of their lives – always asking questions about their school, sports, careers and activities. Grandpa’s hugs were famous among his grandchildren.
Though we will deeply miss his presence, we are comforted in the knowledge that death is not the end. We are grateful for Rich’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness. His example will continue to guide and inspire us until we meet again.
Rich is survived by his loving wife Paula, his 5 children: Justin (Kristen) Spencer, Ryan (Allison) Spencer, Derek (Angie) Spencer, Shelley (Travis) Gunther, and Courtney (Conrad) Stutznegger and his 15 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Renae (Dan) Forbush, and Jan (Paul) Hyde as well as his brother-in-law Jim Coulson.
He is preceded in death by his parents Phil and Ruth Spencer, and sister Arlene Coulson.
A viewing will take place on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 10:00 - 11:45 a.m. The funeral service will follow starting at 12:00 p.m. The location will be the Crescent 2nd Ward building located at 10975 S Prescott Drive, Sandy, Utah 84092. The interment will take place after the funeral service at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, Utah 84092.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choosing.
Paula, I am so very sorry to hear of Dick's passing. When you called me I was stunned. Dick was a good friend and it was an honor to work with him. I have many fond memories of Dick, but he was always a good friend and there was never a time that he did not stand by his moral principles. May the Lord stand by you and your family at this time and may His blessings always rest upon you!
Justin and Kristin, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. It' never easy to experience the loss of a loved one, especially a parent. May the Lord bless you and your family during this time of sadness.
Ryan sending condolences to you and the family on the passing of your father. God Bless.
Paula,
Kaye and I send our most sincere and loving condolences. We were shocked to learn of Richard's so sudden passing.
We treasure the many times we spent with you and Richard. We have special memories of staying with the two of you in Mexico City and have you "teach" us how to bargain and use the taxis and buses there. I also have fond memories of Richard with with me at Xonix when he was our representative on the West Coast. And, of course, I always admired Richard's superior golfing during our visits with you in St. George.
We will always remember the good times we had together, and I hope that we will be able to once again have some quality time with you. We look forward to seeing you at the funeral, and please know that we are thinking warm and loving thoughts about you and your family at this time.
Paula and the Spencer Family, Our memories with Dick and your family are very meaningful to us. We are grateful that our children could be friends with your children. Dick was always willing to serve with a humble spirit. I really enjoyed working with him in the ward. We pray you will find comfort and peace in his absence until you are reunited forever. With our love.
Jim and Kay
So, so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. He and Paula have been high on our list of people we regard highly. May the Lord's spirit provide peace and comfort.
To Paula and all the children, spouses, relatives, and in-laws.
I have not met anyone who lived a life with more integrity and hard-work than Dick
He is a role-model for all he met and for all he contributed.
From building the golf course in Evanston, to Uruguay, Guatemala, and everywhere he worked, he made the places and people better.
The High School in Evanston should retire his jersey! #11, as I remember.
The world needs more Dick Spencer's!
Our thoughts are with your family. Richard was a good man and we are so grateful for the memories we shared with him. He will be missed.
With love,
Andrew, Angie, Mason, Deagan, and Rylan Park
Dearest Paula, Ryan and all the children, I am so very sorry for your loss. Richard was was such a really good, decent man who inspired us all to be good parents and neighbors. I send my sincerest condolences to you all.
Justin & Kristen, What a beautiful legacy. Our thoughts are with you during this time of sweet sorrow.
He recibido la triste noticia de que ha partido hacia la Casa del Señor.
Le pido al Señor que lo haya recibido y se encuentre descansando.
Nuestro sentido pésame para su querida Familia.
Sinceramente, Gloria Moreno. Asistente del Sr. Wayne Rout.