Francis Richard Kawabata Jr.

In Loving Memory of Francis Richard Kawabata Jr., who passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, in Kaysville, Utah, at the age of 85. Born in Rexburg, Idaho, to Francis and Kimi Kawabata (Hachiya), Richard lived a life defined by steady dedication and a love for his family.

A proud graduate of West High School (1959) and the University of Utah (1972), Richard also honorably served in the Army at Fort Ord (1969). On May 26, 1966, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Sachie Miyawaki, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned nearly sixty years. Richard was a man of integrity and precision, dedicating 40 years of service as an auditor for the Internal Revenue Service from 1969 until his retirement in 2009.

Nothing brought Richard more pride than his grandchildren. He was a constant fixture in their lives, from cheering on Sebastian through his Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do milestones to celebrating his 21st birthday in Las Vegas. Richard was also a steady presence for Kella, caring for her during the family’s move to Utah and never missing a chance to watch her shine at her dance competitions. His legacy of love and support will live on in them.

Richard also found great joy under the sun, from fishing the waters of Lake Powell to perfecting his swing on the golf course. A loyal fan of the Utah Jazz and Utah Utes Football, he collected many team trading cards, clothing, memorabilia and attended three Ute Bowl games. He was deeply passionate about NASCAR and loved the excitement of the track. He was an avid fan who traveled to Florida to witness the Daytona 500 firsthand, a memory he held dear.

He always looked forward to his trips to Wendover and Las Vegas, where he found his favorite kind of excitement. These excursions were some of his favorite times, filled with the fun of the slot machines and the variety of the famous buffets he loved so much.

To know Richard was to know his love for the color yellow—from his clothes to his phone case and his collection of NASCAR cars, he lived life in his favorite bright hue. Another favorite of his was chocolate. If he had a choice for dessert, it was the chocolate one.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn; his daughters, Lesli Anne Daniels (Steven) and Mandi Lynne Murdoch (Joel); his grandchildren, Brandon, Sebastian, and Kella Daniels; and his great-grandson, Omri Daniels. He is also survived by his brothers, David (Judy) and Dennis (Cindy) Kawabata; sisters-in-law, Yasuko Shiba and Masako Hardwick; and a large, loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Kimi Kawabata; father and mother-in-law, Yozo and Matsuyo Miyawaki; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Hideo (Amy) Miyawaki, Tomio (Mitsuko) Miyawaki, Yoshihisa (Ayako) Ugaki, Kay Shiba, Ken (Toshiko) Miyawaki, and Larry Hardwick.

His family will remember him every time they see a splash of yellow or a fast car. He was a steady anchor and a dear friend who will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank nurses, Laura and Deana from CNS Home Health & Hospice for their compassionate guidance and professional support.

A memorial service will be held at Memorial Murray Mortuary, 5850 S 900 E, Murray, UT on Saturday March 7, 2026, at 12 PM.

Friends may visit with family from 10 AM to 12 PM prior to the memorial service.

Interment will follow at the Memorial Lakeview Mortuary and Cemetery, 1640 E Lakeview Dr, Bountiful, UT