Richard Harmon McAffee
December 4, 1949 — December 12, 2024
Richard Harmon McAffee, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, transitioned to the next great adventure on December 12, 2024, at the age of seventy-five. He was born on December 4, 1949, in Monticello, Utah, to Dr. Don B. McAffee, M.D. and Wilma Allred McAffee. He graduated in 1968 from Highland High School, Salt Lake City, UT. He then began his college education at Weber State on a golf scholarship.
In the summer of 1969, Richard joined the Navy reserves, but he deferred his service so he could serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was called to serve his mission in Denmark. As he was in line at the Deseret bookstore to purchase his scriptures for his mission, he met his future bride, Patricia Ellen Johns, who had also been called to the Danish mission. Upon their return, Richard and Patty were married in the Provo temple on May 31, 1972. Shortly thereafter, Richard was called to active duty during the Vietnam War, serving as a hospital corpsman in San Diego, CA.
After his military service, Richard and Patty returned to Salt Lake City. Richard continued his education, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Utah. Richard and Patty had three children and settled down to raise them in West Valley City, Utah. This year they celebrated 52 years of marriage. Richard loved his wife, children, and grandchildren endlessly and cherished the time he got to spend with them.
Richard was known for his love of sports, especially tennis and golf. He loved outdoor adventures, road trips, history, and reading. He also had a love of antiques, which he shared with his mother. She had opened her own store, Cobblestone Antiques, but eventually Richard took over the business and ran it for many years. And in true Richard-fashion, he found a way to install an indoor golf driving range above his store so he could practice golfing when things were slow or during the winter months.
Richard had a life-long love of the gospel of Jesus Christ and enjoyed serving in many ward callings. He served on the Stake High Council and as bishop for the Western Hills 4th ward.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Don B. McAffee and Wilma Allred McAffee; and his brothers, Don B. McAffee, Jr., Edward B. McAffee, and Douglas Clark McAffee.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ellen Johns; his brother, Thomas B. McAffee; his children and their spouses Alisa Ann McAffee & Bart Alan Clouston, Richard Harmon McAffee II & Marie Elizabeth Bossi McAffee, Ryan James McAffee & Susan Burns McAffee; his grandchildren, Sierra Ann McAffee-Darrough, Tristan Alexander McAffee-Darrough, Alexis Marie Darrough, Reign Beaux Nidal-Smith, Linus McAffee, Wren McAffee, Lillian McAffee, Katelyn McAffee, Emmalyn McAffee, and Gage Ryan McAffee. Richard was also fondly known as Uncle Monkey to his many nieces and nephews.
Services are scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2024. A viewing will be held from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5107 South 5600 West, Kearns, UT 84118. The funeral will follow at 1:00 pm. Interment - Lehi City Cemetery.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at the University of Utah hospital. Their kindness and compassion made a meaningful difference during this difficult time. We are deeply grateful for the comfort they brought to Richard in his final hours.Fly home, dear Richard.
Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and this obituary page.
Fly home and rejoice in a glorious reunion with your family who has gone before you. We look forward to when we are reunited again.
Marsha Horne (Weidner)
I grew up with Richard McAffee. I lived on Village Circle right close to him. We went to church and high school together and after went our separate ways. My best to his beautiful wife and family and to a life well lived. Much love to all, Marsha Horne Weidner
Ron Branca
I'm so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. We spent a lot of time together playing golf at Bonneville during our junior high years. He loved golf and was a very good player. He was always a very loyal and supportive friend. His obituary tells all of what a good life and person Richard was. We will all miss you Richard!
Peter Van Alstyne
In 1966, my family moved into a house two house from the McAffee family. Rich and I became immediate friends. We had come from California, and a change like that for a 16 year old is pretty tough. But, Richard McAffee was the epitomy of a true and great young man. Within a week, or two, Rich intorduced me to a girl in the neighborhood and our Latter-day Saint ward. I was smitten. I had a feeling i would one day marry her, and I did. For over 50 years since, whenever I saw Richard, we joked about how he was my miracle worker bringing my wife into my life. Richard and I both signed up for the military at the same time, as a conditon precedent to serving a church mission. He went Navy, I went Army. My heart is filled with love and gratitude for Richard McAffee. He is one of the truly great men in my life.
Harold Skousen
Richard was a warm, intelligent and friendly person. We both served our LDS missions in Denmark, but didn't get to see each other much. However, I did spend a couple of memorable months serving in the same little town of Horsens, Denmark with sweet Patty and her companion. So glad she and Richard later tied the knot in 1972--just a month before I did. 52 years of marriage--where has the time gone?
With our fond memories of Richard, we send our love, prayers and condolences to Patty as she begins a new chapter in life. Her eternal spouse will be waiting.
Harold (1968) and Anne (1969) Skousen
St George, Utah