Richard "Rick" Poiney Summers lived 42 wonderful years on this beautiful earth.

He was born January 19, 1957 in Logan, Utah, a son of Lowell Poiney and Eva Marie Summers. Rick married Laurie Gene Kay of Logan on September 1, 1979. They were sealed together with their children in the Bountiful, Utah LDS Temple.Rick had a contagious enthusiasm for life, a curious mind, and varied interests. He pursued activities that fulfilled his professional and personal life. Growing up along the Logan River, he developed a lifetime love for the natural world and the beauty of the outdoors. As a boy he enjoyed camping and fishing trips with his family and became a skilled fly fisherman. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Rick had many friends who shared his love for the outdoors, and trips on the Green River were a tradition. He loved running rivers in his wooden dory and rafts, challenging his skills on rivers in Oregon, Utah, Montana and Wyoming. Annual family reunions in Grand Teton National Park provided an opportunity for Rick to guide his family down the Snake River. These trips were always the highlight of the reunion and Rick's expert knowledge allowed the family to enjoy the river experience. Rick graduated from Utah State University in 1979 with a Bachelors degree (cum laude) in Watershed Science. While at USU he spent a summer as a member of the Logan "Hot Shot" fire crew and was dispatched to California to help fight a series of large forest fires. In 1982, Rick received a Masters degree in Forest Hydrology from Oregon State University. After graduate studies, he returned to Salt Lake City where he began his professional career as a hydrologist for the State of Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining. Later, he transferred to the Department of Environmental Quality where he was able to focus on the rehabilitation of streams, improving streamside vegetative health and water quality of several streams in Utah. Rick was a registered Certified Hydrologist.

Richard's most cherished role is that of husband to Laurie and father to his children, Erin and Logan. He delighted in his children's accomplishments, and like his father before him, always encouraged them to learn new things and accept new challenges. Family camping trips introduced the children to the same joys he experienced; feeling the rush of a river or the cool wind blowing through the forest. He was a skilled chef and enjoyed cooking special dishes for friends and family in the family home, a 1900's bungalow which he restored. Rick loved music, literature and theater. He played the guitar and banjo and encouraged his children to have an appreciation for the arts. As a family they shared a love for theatrical and musical productions.

Rick's activities and accomplishments were many, but he will be remembered most for his warmth of personality and genuine care and concern for everyone. Being with Rick was always a special experience. He devoted much of his life to the service of family and friends during their time of physical or personal need. He was always a true gentleman with a smile that touched our hearts. Rick truly loved life and sharing it with others.

Rick died surrounded by friends and family Friday, July 30, 1999 in Salt Lake City of complications from kidney cancer. He is survived by his wife, Laurie; children, Erin McKenzie and Logan Thomas; siblings, Paul (Dora May) of Denver, Margaret (Samuel) Daines of Logan, Scott (Kaye) of Salt Lake City, and Brad (Mary Ann) of Logan. He was preceded in death by his father and mother.