Richard L Robbins
Richard Lyman Robbins
March 16, 1935 – December 4, 2023
Richard Lyman Robbins peacefully progressed to his eternal home on December 4, 2023 surrounded by his beloved family.
Richard was born and raised in Springville, Utah to Lyman LaVan Robbins and Helen Amelia Gottfredson on March 16, 1935. He was blessed to have two older sisters, Darla and Beverly, who doted on him, taught him chivalry and showed him how to the be the best dressed kid at Springville High. A trait that he carried throughout his life. He loved his years in Springville fishing with his dad and eating his mother’s excellent cooking. His home was a place that he was always grateful for. It was a refuge for his many friends and was the first home in Springville to have a television set. He spent his summers working road construction with Strong Construction, building roads throughout the Mountain West including many roads in Yellowstone. At the end of each summer, he proudly handed over his paycheck to his mom to go towards funding his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in London, England.
Richard discovered his love of music in high school and was blessed with an unforgettable bass voice that gave him many opportunities throughout his life. He sang in the Springville High Choir, the BYU A Cappella Choir, the Utah Opera Company, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He was often asked to sing at weddings and funerals for many family members and friends. The children’s favorites were “O Holy Night” and his many playful anthems like “Mares Eat Oats” and “Dirty Purple Birds”. In his last days, he shared that there is no more heavenly sound than a perfectly sung note.
Richard had many eras and loved hunting (and was always the best shot in camp), fishing, skiing, throwing darts, playing ping pong, starting water fights, initiating practical jokes, playing board and card games, voluntarily directing traffic at firework shows, ward softball, and making sure everybody was happy all the time. His humor and quick wit were beyond compare.
Richard’s first marriage to Carla Lee Greenwell blessed his life with seven children. Being a father is the era that Richard loved best, and he shined in his role of Dad and Grandpa Richard. He never missed a wrestling match, ultra marathon, cheerleading event, football game, or any other activities that his kids participated in. Through his love and support, he watched his children achieve their dreams and goals. He taught his children the love of reading, a love for music, how to be kind to others, to never watch another man work and to never leave work for another man to finish, how to not take life too seriously, to serve others when down, to love Jesus Christ, to give our best effort in everything they did and to honor the family name.
Richard was an avid reader and had a great love for the written word. It was always his dream to be a published author and his dream was realized when he published 14 books later in life. The most popular of these is the “Gospel Study Journal”. Any visit to his home, found him sitting in his office surrounded by books researching or writing his next work with great excitement.
In 2004, he married his eternal companion and the love of his life, Fara Nygren. In his words she changed his life. He said, “Then all was better the moment I met her. She changed my plight and made life right.” Only Fara was able to love Richard as wholly and perfectly as he loved others. They lifted each other up, supported each other and made one another realize their best selves. Together they were able to serve a mission to London, England, and form many loving and meaningful relationships. They spent their lives in service to each other, Jesus Christ and any other person who was lucky enough to cross their paths.
Richard was dedicated to Jesus Christ and worshipped Him as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings including Bishop of the Holladay 7th Ward, Stake Executive Secretary and served two missions both in London, England. He especially loved his calling as Gospel Doctrine teacher and working with the youth creating amazing roadshows and scouting trips. He never missed a chance to bear his testimony and share his love of the Savior not only in words but in his actions.
Of all the things we will remember about him, the thing we will remember most is encompassed in the word “LOVE”. Not only did he teach us how to love, but he also taught us how to feel loved. We always knew he loved us, and we felt it deeply. We will miss him and his Christmas fudge dearly.
Richard’s legacy will live on through his sweet wife, Fara, his children: Greg, Gary (Jean), John (Bonnie), Suzy Glad, Cathy Birch (Rob), Mark (Sara), Brian (Carly); Fara’s children: Ashley Brewer (David), Lindsay DeWitt (Jared), Dan (Megan) McQuarrie; 28 amazing grandchildren and 9 adorable great grandchildren with one more on the way. He is also survived by his sister, Darla Phillips, nieces, nephews, and chosen family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Beverly, his grandchildren; Kolby, Rubie, Garrett, daughter-in-law, Meagan and Fara’s daughter, Jennifer.
Special thanks to Applegate Home Care and Hospice for their tender care in his final days.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 11 at 10:30am with a gathering at 9:30am. All are welcome to join in family prayer at 10:15am. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 673 East 300 North, American Fork, UT 84003. Interment will be at Murray City Cemetery.
Love you more!