Richard B. Scoville, Jr., our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away at home in the arms of his loving wife early on July 15, 2024, at the age of 73. He was born on July 1, 1951, in Burbank, California, to Richard B. Scoville and Ruth Alice Poulter. Richard was a man full of faith; his life embodied Christlike attributes of compassion, unwavering kindness, and unconditional love. He lit up every room with his contagious laugh and limitless puns and Dad jokes. Richard kept his sense of humor to the very end, quipping that he and his "14-year companion, prostate cancer, have decided to part ways."
Richard's family moved from Burbank to Salt Lake City when he was a young boy. He graduated from Highland High School in 1969, where he held the proud distinction of 8-Ball champion (67- '68). Richard went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Utah and a Master of Arts in International Relations from Brigham Young University.
Richard met his sweetheart and eternal companion, Barbara, while teaching at Granite Alternative School for UYA, a division of Peace Corps/Vista. After a whirlwind romance, they were married in April of 1978. Their 46-year marriage has served as an example of love, respect, and devotion. They are best friends and soulmates.
Richard served as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Paris France Mission from 1970-1972. His mission was a defining period in his life. Through his service, he developed deep spiritual maturity and a profound love for the French people. His mission ignited a passion for the French language and culture that he nurtured and celebrated for the rest of his life. Ever the adventurer, he traveled through France as a young man with his brothers and friends, as well as many other European and African countries. Later in life, Richard visited France multiple times with family, each time making new friends and keeping in touch with them after returning home. He loved all his "amis Français!" Throughout his life, Richard delighted in studying the French language and took every opportunity to practice speaking with other francophones. He practiced his French every day, until his last day, and was very proud of his 3,172-day streak on Duolingo and his membership in the Diamond League.
Richard wove the deepest feelings of his heart into the pages of his novel, Our Beloved, which embodies his faith, his love of France, and his belief in eternal families.
Richard was a dedicated educator. He worked for the Church Education System's Seminary & Institute Program and concurrently as a Community Education Coordinator for Granite School District. In his community education role, Richard built multiple programs that helped people achieve their potential. Over the years, Richard's creative spirit, leadership, and passion for teaching and learning impacted countless lives.
A deeply devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Richard served in several callings. He especially loved serving in the Bishopric and teaching Sunday School. Outside of work and church, Richard was an active member of the Cottonwood Mindfulness Sangha. He was gifted with an incredible ability to be present and aware of the tiniest details of the life he cherished so dearly.
Richard's greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He treasured moments with his children, grandchildren, and dogs. He loved life and every living thing. His gentle nature allowed him to connect with and uplift people from all walks of life. Richard's exuberance was evident in everything he did; his morning walks, his love of music, and his adventurous spirit.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Ann Conover; his children: Ben (Seungjoo), Heather (Devin), Annie (Chris), Jon (Tiffany), Cara (Mike), Richy (Bailey), and Mike; his siblings: David (Shirley), sister-in-law Diane, Shirleen (Lee), Kathleen (Jaret), and Kristine (Doug); his 15 grandchildren; and his beloved dogs, Bingley and Ellie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard B. Scoville and Ruth Alice Poulter, and his brother, Steven Poulter Scoville.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 27, at 11:00 a.m. at the Parkway Stake Center, 9894 South 2700 West, South Jordan, UT 84095. Viewings will be held on Friday, July 26, from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Funeral Home,1007 South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84095, and from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Parkway Stake Center prior to the funeral. Interment will follow the services at the South Jordan Cemetery.
Richard's warmth, humor, and wise counsel will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. His legacy of optimism, kindness, perseverance, and faith will continue to live on through all the lives he touched.
Our family extends genuine gratitude to Dr. Benjamin Maughan and his team at Huntsman Cancer Institute and Huntsman at Home for their expertise, kindness, and excellent care. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Best Friends Animal Society in Richard's memory.
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