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Wallace Dean Richins

Jun. 30, 1938 - Feb. 15, 2021

Date of Service: Mar. 1, 2021

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ALBION – Wallace Dean Richins, an 82-year-old resident of Albion, passed away Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, at his home.

Dean was born on June 30, 1938, in Burley, Cassia County, Idaho, to Wilford Francis Richins and Hattie Lovina Paskett Richins. He was the youngest of 11 children. He was born very pigeon-toed and when he was three years old his parents took him to Boise for surgery in which the doctors broke his legs and then set them so his feet were straight. Dad had trouble with his legs his entire life but this did not stop him. He was always athletic and active.

When he was five years old, he had his picture in the “Children’s Friend” magazine, a publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, because he knew all 13 Articles of Faith.

He grew up three miles south of Declo on the family farm and attended Declo schools. He was active in all the school activities as well as playing football and was in the band. He remained close to many of his childhood friends throughout his entire life. He loved to cruise main with those friends and made many good memories.

After high school, Dad went to Southern California to work and lived with his brother, DeVerl, where he was trained as a machinist at Autonetics. When he was laid off from Autonetics, he moved back to Declo to farm with his father and loved to go to town with his friends. It was during one of these times that Dad met his future and eternal companion, Priscilla Marie Allred.

Mom went to Salt Lake City, Utah, and attended the University of Utah and Dad followed her there. Mom went to Spain for a year and Dad waited for her. When she returned home, they married on January 29, 1960, in the Logan Utah Temple.

They lived in Logan, Utah, for a couple of years while Dad worked as a machinist at Thiokol west of Tremonton and attended Utah State University to become an English teacher. While visiting family in Burley their son, Gregory Dean Richins, was born and a year later during another visit to Burley their daughter, Janet Richins, was born. The following, their son, Curtis Richins, was born in Logan. Dad loved his children and Dad and Mom centered their lives around their children.

Dad had a chance to go back down to Southern California and was hired by McDonnell-Douglas as a machinist. He worked there for 12 years where he moved up the ladder so to speak. Some of his projects included aircraft used in the Vietnam War effort, the Huey Cobra helicopter, the DC-10, and the Space Shuttle, among many other projects. He designed many parts for these and other aircraft and he held three patents for his innovative designs.

Dad always loved farming and often thought about Declo. In 1976, Mom and Dad decided to move back to the Burley area and Dad worked for Frank Gillette for quite a few years. During this time Dad decided to go back to school and earn his bachelor’s degree in special education from Idaho State University. He taught school in Cassia County for 16 years and he often said, “I farm so I can remember why I teach school, and I teach school so I remember why I farm.”

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had many responsibilities including, Sunday School teacher, home teacher, elders quorum president, stake activities director, stake dance director (where he was responsible for the operations of the 1976 multi-regional dance festival that was held in the Rose Bowl), High Priest group leader, bishop, and other positions of responsibilities.

Dad and Mom loved to dance and Dad was a paid dance instructor for the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. He was an active member of the community and he loved to sing and perform in plays.

Dad was preceded in death by his eternal companion, Priscilla Marie Allred; his parents; his ten siblings, Orva (Sally) Richins, Sarah (Dale) Olson, Elsie (Vern) Williams, Lucille (Earl) Darrington, Myrtle (Jay) Gibson, Curtis Wilford Richins, Leola (Fred) Lupo, Gayle (Bonnie) Richins, DeVerl (Arlene) Richins, and GeNeal (Heber Hunt); and one grandson.

He is survived by his children, Gregory Dean (Julianne Jolley) Richins, Janet (David) Treadaway, and Curtis Gayle (Michelle Marich) Richins; 15 grandchildren; 37 ½ great- grandchildren; his brothers-in-law, Heber Hunt and Richard Allred, his sisters-in-law, Arlene Bell Richins and AnnLee Hatch Owens Allred; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 1, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Albion Ward, located at 889 Main St., in Albion, with Bishop Dave Nebeker officiating. Burial will follow at Declo Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and at the church on Monday, from 10 until 10:45 a.m.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/JBketJwmmw0.

To continue in assisting to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the wearing of face masks and social distancing will be observed and practiced.

Condolences for Wallace Dean Richins

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Susan Mitchell:

The Service was beautiful and celebrated the life of your Dad and Mom. Neldon and I send our love and condolences. I cherish those memories of Richins reunions with Aunts, Uncles an cousins. Those trips to Grouse Creek were memorable, I don't think I appreciated it at the time. What a heritage we share, yes family is everything. I know your are sad and grieving, but I can't help but be happy that all of the brothers and sisters are together again at last. Thank you for sharing your memories.

From Becky Simonson:

Dean and Percy were very kind to me. They were good friends! I meet Dean when I worked as a substitute teacher at Dworshak. Percy worked with our son, Travis, at Deseret Industries. I enjoyed knowing both of them and feel that my life was made better by their friendship.

From Patricia S Fox:

Dean has been a special friend far as long as I can remember. We were a group of friends that spent much of our time together. He and Percey and our boys spent time together in Logan Canyon having picnics or just hanging out in our younger years. They will always be my forever friends. They were much loved by the Fox Family. Love Always, Pat Fox

From Ann Lee Owens:

We didn't know each other as kids, but through Percy we became dear friends and in-laws and treasures in adulthood. I'm the only one left of our BFF group so you'll just have to wait for me so we can party! Love.

From Adalinda Maisey:

What a kind man. I enjoyed the years I worked in the Dworshak school in special education with him. He was always so kind and considerate of others. He would never want to be referred to as our boss, always just as an equal. He had a way of making everyone feel needed and important. The students all loved him too.

From Brent Garth Brown:

I lived just across from O’Neil andJoy and their parents the first 8-9 years of my life. My grandparents Walter & Maud Brown lived next door to Dean & Wolf/Hattie and I spent a lot of time at their house so I have known Dean for all my life. We went our separate ways as we matured but have seen & visited & talked on the phone other from time to time over the years including just a few months ago. I remember the beautiful black 1956 Chevy he had at USU - I remember when he lived in Salt Lake and worked for my Dad - Garth Brown, I remember him when I came to Burley to work the summer after graduating High School in in Utah in 1958- I remember being with him and Percy in Sunvalley with our wives and I meeting them for lunch in Burley and visiting in their home in Albion - He has been a great lifelong friend and I miss him and Percy as well they are great people

From Christine Funk:

I am so saddened at the news of this wonderful mans passing. I loved visiting with both of them. Really great people, Iwill keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

From Michael Zarybnisky:

I kindif knew you r dad when I went to school at Dworshak and then whenever i was called to burleyhigh school your dad would be out in the hall and say hi to me.

From Michael Zarybnisky:

I kindif knew you r dad when I went to school at Dworshak and then whenever i was called to burleyhigh school your dad would be out in the hall and say hi to me.

From Ron and Judy Osterhout:

Greg, Curtis, Janet and families - we are saddened by the loss of a true friend. May your hearts be lightened in your grieving by the assurance of a joyful future reunion with Dean and Percy. Our memories and choice experiences with your family will be cherished forever.

From Karen Barg:

Sending our prayers and love to you and your family Janet.
With love, Kare and Jim Barg

From Lottie Hurst :

Sending my love and prayers at this time ,I so enjoyed my association with Dean and Percy through the years ,many fond memories

From Linda Yates:

Janet, Greg and Curtis: Uncle Dean always gave the best hugs. He always made me feel like I was important and loved. My deepest sympathies.

From Paul & Ann Allred:

Dear Cousins Greg, Janet and Curtis -- Both Ann and I are saddened by the passing of our dear Uncle Dean. There are so many fond memories of him at Elwood and Glendora's home on Yale in the early 70's, especially during summertime family reunions. Uncle Dean baptized and confirmed me into the church in Garden Grove because I did not want to wait for my Dad to return from TDY in the Air Force to do it. The memory of him baptizing me was very tender and I always felt close to him because of it. I also remember his very memorable and hearty trademark laugh in the kitchen in your home or in the park when telling a story or a joke. What I remember him for most was his tenderness and love for my Aunt Percy and his love of the Restored Gospel and devotion to living a no-nonsense spiritual life. My heart breaks for your loss today and we send our love and hugs to all three of you and your families.

From Gaylen and Carolyn Smyer:

Greg, Curtis, Janet and families, I am so sorry for your loss. Dean's wit and wisdom will be missed. I cherish my many year association with Dean. He demonstrated an excellent work ethic and was generous with his time and talents. He leaves behind a lasting legacy for which you can be proud. May each of you and your families be comforted in the coming days and weeks. Best wishes.

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