Richard Gilbert  1948 - 2026

Obituary

Obituary

Richard Salazar was born on May 23,1948 to proud parents Della and Abel Carlos Salazar in Manassa, Colorado. Richard was the ninth of twelve siblings and was the youngest of the four brothers. Richard had many fond memories of the hard work - and the mischief - that he and his siblings got into while growing up on the farm in Colorado, and later in their home in Sugarhouse, Utah. 

After graduating from Highland High School in 1966, Richard joined and served in the Air Force before returning home and beginning his career as a proud Union Mail handler, unloading freight for the US Postal Service. During Richard’s long and fulfilling career he made many lifelong friendships and also met the love of his life. Richard married Michelle Wanlass on May 4, 1991, and they had four children, which Richard loved dearly. 

Richard loved the Utah Jazz and watched every game religiously. Once he retired from the Post Office he became an usher at the Delta Center for his “Get-to-go-to job” where he regularly bragged that he had fulfilled his dream of getting paid to attend every home game. 

Richard loved playing softball and hoped one day to live somewhere warm enough that he could play in tournaments year-round. Richard was always very active, taking his family camping, playing basketball with his nieces and nephews, and spending his weekends performing acts of service for his family. 

Richard was a builder and a fixer of all things - including people. He went above and beyond to take care of everyone he loved, and because of his patient and generous heart he was very special to everyone who ever met him. 

Richard bravely (and stubbornly) fought Parkinson’s disease for as long as his body would let him, so that he could spend as much time on this Earth and with his family as he possibly could. He passed away peacefully February 2nd, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. We are comforted by the fact that our dad can finally rest after his long and hard-fought battle. 

Richard will be missed by his wife Michelle, children; Ashlee (Hyrum), Haley, Bo, grandsons; Nikolas, Benjamin and Josef, Sisters; Erlinda, Stella, Della, Liz and Gail, Brothers; Carlos & Gilbert, and dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends - none more than his lifelong best friend and partner-in-mischief, Leonard.   

In passing, Richard was reunited with many loved ones, including his son Nick, his parents; Carlos & Della, Brother Santiago “Jimmy”, and Sisters; Carole, Sarah, and Lily. Richard will have plenty of tails wagging to see him when he reunites with the many four-legged companions he loved in his lifetime.

We always hoped that they would find a cure for Parkinson's during Dad’s lifetime. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support Parkinson’s Research. 

A viewing will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at Broomhead Funeral Home from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - 12600 South 2200 West Riverton, Utah 84065

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the LDS Chapel located at 12232 S 3200 W Riverton, UT 84065, where there will be a viewing 1 hour prior to services from 11:00 - 11:45 am.

Graveside services will be at the Riverton Cemetery immediately following- 1500 W 13200 S, Riverton, Utah 84065.

Richard Salazar was born on May 23,1948 to proud parents Della and Abel Carlos Salazar in Manassa, Colorado. Richard was the ninth of twelve siblings and was the youngest of the four brothers. Richard had many fond memories of the hard work - and the mischief - that he and his siblings got into while growing up on the farm in Colorado, and later in their home in Sugarhouse, Utah. 

After graduating from Highland High School in 1966, Richard joined and served in the Air Force before returning home and beginning his career as a proud Union Mail handler, unloading freight for the US Postal Service. During Richard’s long and fulfilling career he made many lifelong friendships and also met the love of his life. Richard married Michelle Wanlass on May 4, 1991, and they had four children, which Richard loved dearly. 

Richard loved the Utah Jazz and watched every game religiously. Once he retired from the Post Office he became an usher at the Delta Center for his “Get-to-go-to job” where he regularly bragged that he had fulfilled his dream of getting paid to attend every home game. 

Richard loved playing softball and hoped one day to live somewhere warm enough that he could play in tournaments year-round. Richard was always very active, taking his family camping, playing basketball with his nieces and nephews, and spending his weekends performing acts of service for his family. 

Richard was a builder and a fixer of all things - including people. He went above and beyond to take care of everyone he loved, and because of his patient and generous heart he was very special to everyone who ever met him. 

Richard bravely (and stubbornly) fought Parkinson’s disease for as long as his body would let him, so that he could spend as much time on this Earth and with his family as he possibly could. He passed away peacefully February 2nd, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. We are comforted by the fact that our dad can finally rest after his long and hard-fought battle. 

Richard will be missed by his wife Michelle, children; Ashlee (Hyrum), Haley, Bo, grandsons; Nikolas, Benjamin and Josef, Sisters; Erlinda, Stella, Della, Liz and Gail, Brothers; Carlos & Gilbert, and dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends - none more than his lifelong best friend and partner-in-mischief, Leonard.   

In passing, Richard was reunited with many loved ones, including his son Nick, his parents; Carlos & Della, Brother Santiago “Jimmy”, and Sisters; Carole, Sarah, and Lily. Richard will have plenty of tails wagging to see him when he reunites with the many four-legged companions he loved in his lifetime.

We always hoped that they would find a cure for Parkinson's during Dad’s lifetime. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support Parkinson’s Research. 

A viewing will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at Broomhead Funeral Home from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - 12600 South 2200 West Riverton, Utah 84065

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the LDS Chapel located at 12232 S 3200 W Riverton, UT 84065, where there will be a viewing 1 hour prior to services from 11:00 - 11:45 am.

Graveside services will be at the Riverton Cemetery immediately following- 1500 W 13200 S, Riverton, Utah 84065.