Richard Dale Van Orden, age 75, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away Thursday, June 22, 2023. He was born August 5, 1947 in Logan, UT to Dale Olson and Fern Egbert Van Orden. He spent many happy years growing up in Corvallis, OR; Long Beach, CA; San Diego, CA; Annapolis, MD; Sasebo, Japan; Augusta, ME; Libertyville, IL; Logan, UT and then served his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Northern Far East Mission (Japan). He met his eternal companion, Vicki Lynne Popp Van Orden, at Utah State University in Logan and moved to Salt Lake City after graduation. He and mother were married on September 23, 1970 in the Logan Temple.
Dad worked for 17 years at the University of Utah Marriott Library before the family moved to Ohio where he worked at OCLC for 24 years. Dad served faithfully: Bishop of the Garden Heights South Ward, 5 Bishoprics, Columbus Ohio temple worker, Elder's Quorum President, Gospel Doctrine teacher and his favorite calling, Nursery Leader. Once Dad retired, our parents soon made Ogden, UT their home.
Dad loved attending church, especially bearing his testimony. With diminishing sight he learned to know people by the sound of their voice. He liked to rate his days, his good days were a B+ or A-. When dad talked with you, he made you feel like you were the only thing that mattered in the world. Without guile, he loved deeply and forgave easily. He would want us to celebrate his life by being positive, forgiving and loving deeply.
We honor our dear mother and father for their devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your love, examples of faith and sacrifices for God. Love you forever!
Survived by his eternal companion- Vicki Lynne Popp Van Orden, children- Paul (Poeina), David (Christalee) and Jared, sisters- Diane (Richard) Moon, Debbi (David) Stauffer, and Jeannie (Ralph) Van Orden, grandchildren- (David) Kaleb, Chris, Kayleah, Sarah, Emily and Rebecca (Jared) Max, Connor and Elizabeth Kate. Preceded in death by his brother Ralph and parents- Dale and Fern Van Orden.
All gatherings will be at Garden Heights South Ward on 2220 East Fisher Lane:
Thursday, June 29- Viewing 6-8pm
Friday, June 30- Viewing 11am
Funeral at Noon
For those wishing to join services via Zoom, please a free Zoom account is required.
My dear friends, we are devastated at the loss of Rich. We are so grateful for the influence that he and Vicky have played in our lives. From the time we moved into the Garden Heights South Ward, Rich and Vicky have been our friends. He was a good friend and we loved him dearly. I was called as his Elder’s Quorum Secretary when he was Elder’s President, and when he became Bishop, I worked with him as his Executive Secretary. We have a deep friendship that continued up till the day he passed away. We would speak on the phone quite a bit.
We are so sorry that we can’t be there, but you know you are loved and we will miss you. Rest In Peace my dear friend.
Rest in Peace dear Classmate, Teammate,
Friend. I will never forget you!
Rich will be very much missed by Libertyville IL Class of 1965 classmates.
He gifted us with his qualities of love and positivity (e.g., enthusiasm! for efforts for us all to stay connected) that Rich's family and others who knew--and loved--him have described.
Carol and I are deeply saddened by your loss. From the first day I met Rich in 1988 in Dublin Ward (Ohio) ,I looked up to him. He was always filled with joy and exhibited great kindness. I grew to love Rich as we met in church and worked for the same company. Rich always made you feel loved. 'Till we meet again, my friend.'
Please accept my sympathies on Rich's passing. His energy, enthusiasm and caring will be missed!
I’m a former Libertyville High School classmate and basketball team mate of Rich, with many happy memories of our friendship in class, on the court and socializing in our terrific community. Rich was a good person for sure.
Sincere condolences to Rich’s family and friends.
Tom Snow
Dear Vicki, Paul, Jared & David
We send our love and our deepest condolences to you and your family for the passing of Richard. There are many titles that Richard held during his lifetime. Son, brother, husband, father, basketball player, coach & fan, various church titles including co nursery leader, Gospel doctrine teacher and the list goes on. The most significant title to us was friend. We will miss the warmth of his personality and his friendship more than you even know, but we know we will see him and enjoy our friendship again.
Love to you & your family
Craig, Kathy & Nathan Thomas
Such a kind and gentle man will be missed. It is never easy to lose a classmate. The Class of 1965 was graced with Rich's positive presence. Please accept my blessngs and condolences to the Family.
Pam (Fredericks) Jacobs
We were so sad to hear of Rich's passing. We treasure our friendship with Rich and Vicki and have missed them greatly. You both were so kind and such a good influence on our children. We look forward to a sweet and happy reunion with you both one day. Vicki, we love you!! ❤️
I only knew Rich for a few short years in high school. Now, as I reflect back over those years and the years since, I can truly say Rich was one of the kindest people I have ever met. So sorry for your loss and very grateful to have known him.
So very sorry to hear about Rich’s passing. Rich lived right down the street from me in Libertyville. He was a great friend and neighbor. Often, he and another classmate, Jerry Price, would come to my house in the morning and we would all walk to high school. Rich would shoot baskets in our backyard at times.
Kindness was always a banner trait of his. Sending my deepest sympathy to his entire family.
I just learned of Rich's passing and wanted to send my thoughts, prayers and peace to Vicki and family. I was a neighbor and colleague in Ohio. I'll echo other comments about his kindness and passion for his work, most of all his family. Thinking of all of you!
I was so very sorry to learn that Rich has passed away. I was privileged and honoured to work with him for almost twenty years at OCLC, both on its members council and later when I served as a trustee. He was a wonderful human being, and I have many find memories of my work with Rich. My deepest sympathy to Vicki and the entire family.