Robert “Bull” C. Richards jogged his way to heaven on February 18, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Diane Fox Richards, and his three amazing children and two “so-so” children, Raquel Richards, Shalauna (Brady) Barker, Micah (Denise) Richards, Brigham (Shalyse) Richards, and Kinsale (Jordan) Barker. He was Papa Bull to eight grandchildren that absolutely adored him. He is also survived by his siblings, Grant (Christie) Richards, Nancy (Steve) Holdaway, Mary Louise (Lonny) Arnell, and David (Kristine) Richards. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Lucile Richards, and his sister, Heidi Tripp.
“Bull” was raised on a dairy farm. With his father, he traveled to county fairs to show his All-American Dairy Cow, Trixie. He had fond memories of growing up and working on the farm.
Robert always excelled academically. He graduated from BYU and then received his M.D. degree from The University of Utah Medical School. He also earned an MBA degree from George Washington University.
Robert was loved for his generosity and kindness. He loved people and always wanted to help anyone in need. He enjoyed interacting with people and truly loved his patients.
We loved his fun, larger than life personality. His enthusiasm was contagious, especially his love of sports. He loved to play and watch a variety of sports. He was a devoted fan to his favorite teams. We all remember his love for Larry Bird and the Celtics.
Papa Bull was truly the world’s best grandpa. All of his grandchildren loved him beyond measure. He was available to them 24/7. They loved playing games with him and his competitiveness did not diminish when playing with them. They will never forget papa candy, hearts, blokus, and Brick Oven. He was so proud of all of his grandchildren.
Robert was a wonderful husband and father. He supported us in everything we did. He was always there for us. He would “patiently” help us with our math homework, was at every ball game and performance, and even coached all of our teams. He made life such a fun adventure for us. We love him and will miss him dearly. According to Robert’s wishes there will be no funeral service. A small family graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please attend a Utah Jazz game, but cheer loudly for the Celtics!
Diane and family, so sorry to hear about Robert’s passing. He was a great friend. We spent a lot of time growing up together and playing sports in High School. Barb and I want to express our condolences to you all.
Kent & Barbara Richards
Diane, Bull always made me laugh. Now, even in his obituary, apparently that sense of humor carries on in its author. He was one of the smartest people I knew. Studying with him helped me get through Med school. Working with him & Steve Terry made Internship & Residency survivable. It makes no sense that both he & Steve are gone. I will always remember the ever present “twinkle” in his eye as he went about his daily life. He will be greatly missed by those of us on this side of the veil. We will see you again in the future my dear friend!
Dr. Richards coached one of my basketball teams with Micah. I’ll always remember that green Celtics jacket and the red convertible. He was always patient and caring in his approach to everything and I’ll always appreciate his influence. My sincerest wishes.
I’m so sad to hear of his passing. He was such a fun and funny man. My heart goes out to all of his family. Dr. Richards will be greatly missed.
I was one of the many babies Doc Richards delivered! He was the most joyful person to speak to on the phone and I’ll never forget his kind presence. He was a beloved family friend and he will be greatly missed!
Diane and family, so sorry to hear about this hard time in your lives. Bull was a great neighbor and a fun person to work with. Sending prayers for you all.
Simply of if the best men you would have ever met
You will be missed Bull. Rest In Peace
We are sad to hear of Robert’s passing. He was a good friend and excellent physician, delivering five of our children. We appreciate our many years of happy association with Bull and your family and send our love and condolences to all of you. May our Heavenly Father wrap you in the arms of His love.
Being kinsales friend I got the honor of him being my basketball coach he always made it fun and uplifting he was a awesome guy!
Diane, I was so saddened to hear of Robert’s passing. He was a good man and a loving husband and father. Is there anything you need? I wish I was there so I could give you a big hug. You are so very dear to me and I pray the Lord will comfort you and all your family.
Diane, I was so saddened to hear of Robert’s passing. He was a good man and a loving husband and father. Is there anything you need? I wish I was there so I could give you a big hug. You are so very dear to me and I pray the Lord will comfort you and all your family.
I was lucky enough to have Doc Richards as a basketball coach with Micah. Later he became a generous doctor as my wife and our began our family. Thank you for treating me to countless Jazz games and fast Porche rides. I have only the fondest of memories. ‘Til we meet again…
The one thing I remember About Bob. He always had a smile on his face.
Many great early morning b ball games with Bull. He was always good to this old guy. Great memories.
I’m sending all my love and prayers to Diane and her sweet family. Know that I love you and wish peace for all of you.
Dr. Richards a bigger than life kind of guy. I remember on St. Patrick’s day (his birthday) he always brought green icing clover cookies. God speed him on his way.
Dr. Richards is one of a kind! We love your family. Our thoughts and prayers are turned to your family during this sad time.
LOVE Dr Richards! He was the best….so funny and full of spunk! Sending prayers to your family
I’m truly saddened to hear about Robert’s passing. He was so kind and generous to me, and is a part of many great memories from my youth. He was, and still is, very much appreciated.
Many fond memories of playing basketball on my driveway at the old house in PG with Bull and Banks. What a competitor! Later with the boys High School basketball team for PG. One of the most contagious and enjoyable laughs you can imagine and I can still hear it now. Wonder if he kept his leather tooled belt with TRIXIE stamped on the back. Truly one of the “good guys” in this world.
Diane,
It is with great sadness I read about your sweetheart. What a INCREDIBLE man! And the BEST DR! He delivered my sister’s twins ( Geri) , my last 3 children, and my grandson who just turned 18. How I missed him when you moved! We talked about you and your family each time we visited. Deepest Love and condolences 😢
From the Pleasant Grove High School Class of 1968 and my Family, we are all very grieved to see this. “Bull” was one of those guys way back when that was a Great Example of VIKING integrity and hard work both in the and outside of School. He was both an Outstanding Student and Athlete – powerful, yet always friendly. When I came back out of the Army and found he was a Doctor, it surprised me a little, because I would have predicted he would be a Professor up at Utah State teaching Agricultural Science. But he was an Outstanding Doctor, as many of our Class, whose children he delivered, have attested since learning of his passing. It is truly sad to learn that he is gone. But VIKINGS are FOR EVER! Rest in Peace, Ole Pard!
Man we loved the Doc. One of the many memories of him was when he told our oldest daughter when our second was born that his name was Tom Petty. From 2 years old to when she turned 16 (2 years ago) she still thought that was his name. He was always such a tease. Loved playing against Micah in Jr Jazz. The Doc was always such a great coach to play against. Such an infectious personality. Had some great memories of concerts with Brig. Our prayers are with you guys. Love the Richards.
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Richards! He was part of our family’s life at a very pivotal point. We always appreciated his humor and love of life. Sending love to the Richards Family!
I would like to send my sympathies to your family. Dr. Richards will be missed very much. He was a great man and I am so glad he was there to help me with my kids. Shalauna was a great friend to me and I am glad I was able to know your family. Sending prayers your way.
Diane, so saddened to hear of the loss of Robert. Our prayers and hearts go out to you and your family. I grew up with “Bull” out in good ole “Manila” in Pleasant Grove, Utah. He was a good friend to all of us and was very kind and humorous too. He was always ambitious and excelled in so many things. He was an excellent doctor and his patients and assoiciates loved him. Jill served with him on the Pleasant Grove High School Student Council. Some very fun and exciting young years. We always felt he was a man of integrity and a true friend to many. Dan & Jill
My sincerest condolences to your family. I grew up next door to the Richards family and have many fond memories of pick-up basketball games in the backyard with Dr. Richards and Micah – always wearing gloves to protect those hands! Still the only bishopric member I’ve ever known who wore the Celtics sweater on the stand every Sunday! Many years ago, Dr. Richards happened to drive by (in the red Porsche of course) as I was getting my mission call out of the mailbox, and I’ve never considered the timing and what he said to be a coincidence. A great man who influenced me and many others. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Diane – and children I know: Shalauna & Raquel and Grant, Nancy, Mary Louise and David – I am so sorry about the loss of your husband and dad and brother.
Growing up near my cousin, Robert is one of the joys of my life. He was always so funny, hard-working, smart, sensitive and compassionate. I always cherished our “cousinhood” and having such a very fine man as both a friend and a dear relative. May you be greatly comforted by your memories of your life with Robert.
This world won’t be quite as fun without this wonderful man in it! Many years ago as he was just starting his practice, he literally saved the life of our precious daughter… wanting to meet us at the hospital on a Saturday for “ a few tests “ … and then quickly starting her early delivery and going into full serious doctor mode. We didn’t see that side of him much after that, as he was such a joker… but so very grateful to have had him as such an amazing doctor and friend. Dave loved playing BB with him.. even stitching up his head after a tough game! We loved going to see “The Monkees” concert with you and a few of his beloved Jazz games. Thank you Big Bo… and thank you to your wonderful family for sharing their time with you…as you helped so many.
We were neighbors and friends, playing sports and showing Holstien cows together. He was a fun person to be around.
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of our good friend. We also had cows and grew up with the Richards as our neighbors. Robert was a member of our Sunday afternoon baseball league, where pretty much anything went. We love Diane Robert and you all. Our best wishes to you. Doug & Sharon
A truely great man has moved on to advance his education. Bull was great in everything he ever attempted, no questions about all the accolades already mention by those who knew him. He delivered our last two babies and 4 of our grandchildren, one who would not have made it without his expertise. Humor was definitely his calling card, made all his patients feel so comfortable in all situations. What a blessing to have such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend, coach and all the many callings he shouldered in his mortal life. We look forward to your infectious laugh in the next calling Bull, see you soon.
I really appreciated the friendship of Bull Richardss. He delivered two of our kids and I laugh when I think our last child was scheduled so that it would be on a weekend and not affect our city league basketball game. rest in peace good friend .
Oh my goodness this completely breaks my heart to see this. Dr. Richards delivered my first baby and what a joy it was going to his office for visits. He was so full of life, so happy, and just made everything feel safe and good. I went to him because he delivered a couple of my sisters babies and was my other sisters neighbor and just adored him. I am saddened about this and I pray that you will be comforted at this time of loss. My prayers and positive thoughts are with you all at this time. Big hugs to the Richards family!
I am extremely grateful for this man! He was a great doctor and delivered two of my children. He knew exactly what to do when we almost lost my Hannah…. thank you Dr. Richards! You are a gem! You brought laughter and love to everyone in the delivery room. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. 💙💕
I am so extremely grateful for this man! He was a great doctor and delivered two of my children. He knew exactly what to do when we almost lost my Hannah…. thank you Dr. Richards! You are a gem! You brought laughter and love to everyone in the delivery room. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. 💙💕
He was one of my favorite customers at 7-Eleven. I will always love him and all the members of his wonderful family.
To you his beloved family I am so sorry for this great loss.
I had the opportunity to work at the AF hospital as a nurse.
I always was so impressed with the professional, kind and true concern for all his patients I helped care for on the Women’s Center and with a smile I will always remember assisting him as scrub nurse on many , many C-sections. He was so very skilled , sharp, quick and always knew just what to do in a routine or emergency delivery. ( He also delivered my first grand child )
Among the many things I admired were two …One : I appreciated Dr. Richards for his respect for we the nurses , He was always supportive and went to bat for us many times… Second His joy for life…his sense of humor and laugh ..making rounds on Sunday in his suit and Sunday shoes…but no socks
Sending my love, prayers and a huge “Thank you” to you his family for sharing him with so many of us … the medical world the sports world, the church .
May our Heavenly Father send His peace, comfort and love to each of you at this sad time.
May your memories always bring him close to you
Love Sandy Thomas Greenwood
Diane, I am so sorry to hear of Bull’s passing. My daughter Rebecca was a nurse and worked with him, and commented often that he was her favorite doctor. He was always so kind and compassionate to her. Hugs and much love to you my friend.
Besides being my wife’s doctor for nearly 20 years, he was a fierce competitor on the basketball court. There were a number of occasions that due to injury he took me to his office to stitch me up and make me as good as new. Bull indeed had a big heart that matched his personality. We wish our heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
Dear Diane and Family,
We are saddened at the loss of Robert. We send our love and prayers your way. He was a devoted Doctor and loved by many. He made the world a better place. We were blessed to call him friend.💔 May God comfort you all at this time💗🙏💗.
Dear Richards Family,
We were so sad to hear of Bull’s passing. He was and continues to be a giant of a man. His calm demeanor and his professionalism was so amazing to us. As his patient, I was so touched when he saved the life of our daughter, Megan. He was going to start my labor and held my hand and said to me that he needed to take a minute and go discuss something with his boss before he started me. He came back in about 15 minutes and told me that he felt I needed to have a C-section instead of delivering her naturally. Without his insight and his strong belief in his boss “our Heavenly Father” we very easily could have lost this beautiful girl. I’m so grateful for his faith and his wisdom. I truly loved him and was so sad when he was no longer here to deliver my last two. May the Lord wrap you all in His loving arms and keep you strong until you can see him again. I will miss knowing he is on this earth.
Diane and Richards family, We were so saddened to hear about Robs passing. He will always hold a very soft spot in our hearts. When our daughter was sick, Rob was an answer to our prayers. He just showed up one day unnounced at our door and literally helped us make a decision about her care that we had been praying about. He told us to give the great healer Heavenly Father some time before we put a pickline and did a bone marrow transplant. We had been feeling that same way but were told by the hospital we needed to proceed. She did get better on her own and we are so grateful for his advice to wait. Rob brought her a teddy bear and was always so concerned about her in his busy schedule along with Diane. He was so down to earth and just a wonderful guy. Diane you are the epitome of the sweetest most beautiful lady inside and out. Our prayers are with your beautiful family! With love, Wayne and Melayne Williams
What a guy!! He and Dee played against each other in the Church Ball league years ago. Those two would fight under the basket and then joke around after the game! We lived on Doc Richards route to the old American Fork Hospital. We have great memories of him speeding by in his red Mustang convertible with his hair blowing in the wind and sporting a pair of stylish sunglasses. While staying in the old maternity wing at AF hospital, we always knew when Bull was making his rounds. You could hear his laugh a mile away. We all looked forward to his visits even if he wasn’t our doctor! He lived life to the fullest. So happy our paths crossed. Diane, we send you our love.
Dr. Richards was not only a gifted and brilliant physician, but a genuinely delightful individual with an infectious laugh, a thoroughly caring heart and a twinkle in his eye. I considered him not only a physician but a friend. The world has lost a good man who touched and blessed not only my life, but countless others. Godspeed dear friend. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire Richards family.
Diane and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Robert’s passing. I loved having your family as neighbors in Pleasant Grove. You were all so good to me! He delivered two of my children and was such a great doctor. Thank you for the difference you made in mine and my family’s lives. You’re in my prayers!
Love,
Shelley Palmer
I have great memories of several years of morning basketball with “Bull”, along with some really fun 3 on 3 tournaments. He delivered one of our children and 2 of our grandchildren. His bedside manner was uniquely pleasant and refreshing. Condolences and prayers to your family.
Dear Diane and Family, What a shock to hear about “Bull’s” passing! I have so many fond and interesting memories of Robert. Our years playing basketball together were exciting and fun. Pound for pound he was probably the best rebounder I ever played with. As a Jr. Jazz coach he was unbelievable and quite a competitor. I loved his laugh and Zest for life. He secretly helped my high school tennis teams, with donations for uniforms and equipment. He told me to make sure those students who couldn’t afford the necessary tennis equipment were taken care of. He made me promise not to tell, but I want you to know how much I appreciated his support! We all lost a great friend. But, we are all better off because of “Bull Richards” Love you guys! He was very proud of his family.
On behalf of the Earl Matthews family we loved Bull (Robert) Richards. He was a huge part of our lives growing up in Manila. Every Sunday He was a guest at our table (desserts only)
We loved his wit humor and when his nose flared out when he laughed only his laugh.
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with His family at this time.
Dr. Richards was not only a gifted and brilliant physician, but a genuinely delightful individual with an infectious laugh, a thoroughly caring heart and a twinkle in his eye. I considered him not only a physician but a friend. The world has lost a good man who not only touched and blessed my life, but countless others. Godspeed dear friend. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire Richards family.
Robert’s smile, laughing eyes and keen sense of humor are indelibly printed in my memories. It was a gift to know him and his great family while growing up in Manila. May the wonderful memories bring comfort to those he left: He would want you to be happy.
Dianne, So sorry for your loss. I was neighbors with you and Robert in PG for years. I always enjoyed talking with Robert, he had a way of making you feel good and his smile was contagious. I also liked his beard as I usually had some version of one. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Dear Diane, Raquel, Shalauna, Micah, Brigham, and Kinsale, Our Sincere Love and Prayers, and Heart-felt Condolences for you! Where do we begin…what a Great Friend, Doctor, Church Leader, Neighbor, Support, Co-worker, & employer! …. Sooo many amazing memories come flooding back when we think about each one of you! He will be missed!! We cannot think about him, without smiling! We love you! ♥️
Sincere condolences. Best Doctor ever. Best wishes to his family
I am saddened to hear the loss of such a great man. I was blessed to have Coach Richards coach many of my Jr. Jazz basketball games with his son Micah. I remember the rides to basketball practice with many of us boys being squished into his Porche or Mustang. He was a great family man who loved and supported his kids. Thanks for many great memories, and I wish to extend my condolences to the family. My heart is grieving for you.
Diane,
Gunner called me just now and told me about Bull’s passing. I am so very sorry to hear that. As you know, my husband Sherm died quite suddenly and unexpectedly in November of 2014, following surgery on a broken leg. Sherm was very fond of Bull and shared with me many fun stories about Bull and your mutual friends from the days when you were all growing up together in PG. Bull’s brother Grant was our neighbor in Orem and our family worked with his other brother David. I know Bull was a beloved obstetrician here for years and was sorely missed when you all moved away. I imagine that Bull and Sherm had a grand reunion on the other side. Being a widow is no fun, but it’s nice to know that our hubbies are happy and busy where they are.
Peggy Lee Ball Fugal
Growing up in Manila and friend of Mary Louise, I had the opportunity to be in their home and he in ours and I remember how fun he was. Dr Richards was my OB and so amazing during my third child’s high risk pregnancy. So grateful for his expertise and making sure I had the right care and delivered a healthy baby. He will surely be missed!
Dearest Diane,
Dennis and I were so shocked to hear of Bull’s passing. You were always the graceful wife and companion to your man. We will miss both of you on the back row. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Dear Diane,
I’m so sorry to hear about Robert. What a great man and a great Dr.
I adore you and I pray that you find peace and love at this hard time. My sympathies and love to all your Family.
Dear Diane and the entire Richards family,
My deepest condolences to all of you. I feel like I have lost a Brother. A glimmer of joy when I think of the reunion with his parents and sister. He missed his father the longest and felt his absence so very deeply. Love to all, and miss you.
Dear Diane,
So very sorry to hear of Rob’s passing. He was far too young. But perhaps this line from one of Elder Maxwell talks many years ago will bring you some comfort. I paraphrase, “When the Lord calls a good man home unexpectedly it is usually because He has a work for him to do.” Over the years we have often thought of you and your family, always with fondness and usually with a chuckle in Rob’s case. Love you.
Dear Diane,
We are so sorry to hear about Robert. Like many we’ve struggled with hearing that he passed. Words can’t express how we feel at this time. With out Dr Richards we wouldn’t have had children, we truly feel that way. We couldn’t walk into his office without noticing how much his family meant to him. He loved his family more than anything. You guys have been such great friends and have had a profound impact on our lives! We can’t thank you enough. His kindness and generosity knew no boundaries. We pray that you will find comfort in the plan of salvation! We’ll miss him, we love you and your family.
Bull was on of my favorite people. His laugh was so fun. We planned our 5th year class reunion together. He was a good friend to so many. His love for his family was always expressed when we visited. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. I appreciate his dr skills and expertise with my hysterectomy. Love to all his family. Our prayers are with you!
Lovely man. Wonderful doctor. He was a gift. Helped me gift birth to three of my four. Blessed soul. Peace to his family