Richard Gunther Conley

Our beloved father, Richard Gunther Conley, passed peacefully in his sleep on April 29, 2025, and was welcomed into the arms of the Savior and reunited with our dear mother, LuAnn Lyon Conley. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Richard was born on March 18, 1928, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Francis Willard Conley and Charlotte Katherine Gunther. He attended South High School. A few years later, he met the love of his life, LuAnn, on a blind date. He proposed that very night—prompting her to say, “You’re crazy!”—but their whirlwind romance led to marriage within a few months. Ten years later, they were sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Richard learned the value of hard work from his father while working on the family farm. He later attended barber school and went on to open Dick’s Barber Shop and Bookstore in West Valley City. He also worked for many years at the University of Utah. Richard was highly skilled with his hands and had a passion for gardening. His yard was always adorned with beautifully designed flower beds and a bountiful vegetable garden. He loved building birdhouses for family and friends.

His love for music began in childhood when his sister Darlene taught him to play the piano. He went on to master classical, ragtime, and big band styles, touching many lives through his music. He served faithfully as a ward organist and often played at weddings and funerals. He passed on his musical talent and love for music to each of his children. His melodies will forever echo in our hearts.

Richard and LuAnn shared many grand adventures together while living in Salt Lake City, UT; Palm Springs, CA; the San Francisco Bay Area, CA; and Mesa, AZ. Among their most cherished memories was the trip of a lifetime to Ireland. Wherever they went, they brought joy, curiosity, and a deep love for each other, making each place truly feel like home.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Richard lived a life of faith, integrity, kindness, and generosity. He was a true friend to everyone he met and will be missed by his many friends at Brookdale Baywood Assisted Living.

Our family expresses deep gratitude to Camille and Ron Garidel for their ongoing, selfless service in caring for our father. We also thank the staff and residents at Brookdale Baywood Assisted Living for their compassion and friendship that made his time there joyful and fulfilling. He especially cherished his games of Scrabble and Pinochle with his friends.

Richard is preceded in death by his eternal companion of 70 years, LuAnn Lyon Conley, his parents, 2 brothers, Valjeaun and Willard, and his sister, Darlene. He is survived by his children, Paul (Sherri) Conley, Pamela (Luis) Aveytua, Camille (Ron) Garidel, and Celeste (Darrell) Tobler. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah. You may visit with the family at a viewing before services from 8:30 to 9:45 AM. Interment following services at Memorial Redwood Cemetery at the same address.