Wayne Richins (“Grizz”) Wright

Wayne Richins (“Grizz”) Wright, born September 28, 1938, in Henefer, Utah, passed away peacefully in his home on September 4, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. He has been looking forward to being reunited with his wife of nearly 68 years, LaRae Brown Wright, who passed away just over a year ago. Wayne was devoted to family, and worked hard to provide a good life for his family, which includes five children, one foster daughter, 21 grandchildren, and 45 great grandchildren. Wayne is survived by four children (Randy and Lynn Wright of Kaysville, Utah; David and Penny Wright of Kaysville, Utah; LuAnn and Curt Calder of Layton, Utah; and Janet and John Harper of Woods Cross, Utah), a foster daughter (Elsie Wilson Begay of Two Grey Hills, New Mexico), and an older brother (Clair and Margaret Wright of Lincoln, California). Wayne was preceded in death by his beloved wife (LaRae), his parents (Joseph Edward (Ted) and Maxine Richins Wright of Henefer, Utah), brother (Eldon Edward Wright of Salt Lake City, Utah), and his beautiful daughter (Karen Wright Smith of Bountiful, Utah.)

Wayne enjoyed spending time with his growing family, gardening, traveling, music, working and sports. He grew up on a farm in Henefer, Utah, where he learned to work hard. He starting milking cows at 4:00 am at the age of eight. He graduated from North Summit High School in 1955, where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball. He was elected to the Utah All-State football team after his senior year, and played football for one year on an athletic scholarship at Utah State University (then known as Utah State Agricultural College), where he started as a defensive end.

Wayne’s college sports career ended when he proposed to the love of his life, LaRae, and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 19, 1957. Wayne and LaRae move to Salt Lake City and Wayne enrolled at the University of Utah, where he obtained an accounting degree. Wayne worked in various accounting and finance positions throughout his career, including executive positions at Beehive Medical Electronics of Salt Lake City, Utah, where he worked for many years. In addition to Salt Lake City, Wayne and LaRae lived in Farmington, New Mexico, Logan, Utah, and eventually settled in Bountiful, Utah.

Wayne’s love for music allowed him to learn to play the trombone and drums, performing in school and dance bands while he was young. Wayne loved to sing and added his rich bass voice to quartets and choirs throughout his life.

Wayne learned discipline and competitive aggression from his parents, a grandfather who lived with him during his formative years, and two older brothers. This approach brought him success in athletic competitions and in business. He earned nicknames because of his demeanor, such as Storm and Toes, but the nickname that stuck throughout his life was Grizz. His grandchildren and great grandchildren affectionately refer to him as Grizz. Though a bit gruff on the outside, Grizz was a tender-hearted husband, father and friend. He was a devout believer in the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and shared his passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ whenever possible. Wayne and LaRae served missions for their Church in St. George, Utah (where he often portrayed the prophet Brigham Young at Church historical sites), and Omaha, Nebraska. Grizz loved to share the Gospel with friends and neighbors along side his eternal companion, LaRae.

Wayne is beloved by many and will be missed. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched. We love you, Grizz!

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 2:00 PM. A viewing will go from 1:00 to 1:45 PM. All services will be held at 1955 South 350 East, Kaysville, Utah. Interment will be at Memorial Lake View Cemetery, 1640 East Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, Utah.