Richard David Hendrickson

Richard David Hendrickson completed his earthly ministry on July 6th, 2024 at the age of 57 in a tragic accident in Ogden Canyon along with his daughter, Sally. Richard was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend and leader. Richard’s life was marked by his boundless love, unwavering dedication, and tireless work ethic. 

In his younger years he was always seeking adventure and thrill with his sister Tracie and brothers Matt and Josh. He loved spending time with his siblings. Well before he had his license, he was using his motorcycle skills to navigate the foothills of South Ogden. He took apart anything and everything in his innovative effort to build his latest contraption. He was part of the downhill ski team at Snowbasin and worked at the famous KFC which was one of his many jobs including painter, and tow truck driver. After graduating from Bonneville High School in 1985, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mexico, Mexico City South Mission from 1986 to 1988, where he labored with all of his heart. Years of mission service caused his love for all people and his faith in Jesus Christ to grow even stronger. 

On April 30, 1998 Richard was sealed to his sweetheart, Julie Nilson, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple for time and all eternity. For over 26 years, Richard adored Julie. She was his best friend, partner and companion. They were the perfect team and Richard was at his best when she was by his side. He wanted Julie by his side as much as possible and they loved spending as much time together as they could. Richard always went to great lengths to make together-time. They were proud of and loved the life they were building and had many dreams and goals yet to be accomplished. Together, they had four beautiful children, Samuel, Lyssa, Mollie, and Sally. 

He served diligently in many church callings, including Stake Young Men’s President, Bishop, and currently as the Stake President of the Pleasant Valley Stake. Richard has a deep love for the members of his stake. He enjoyed working with the Bishops and High Councilors. He found great joy in getting to know the members individually. He loved setting apart missionaries and sending the youth on missions. Richard loved spending time with the youth of the church and strived to magnify his callings in all facets. He was loved and respected by all members of the Pleasant Valley Stake.

Richard had many accomplishments in life, but he was most proud of his wife and children. He always made time for one-on-one excursions with them, whether it was hog hunting, motorcycling, spending time at the beach, flying in the plane, exploring new places, or just being together. Richard and Julie truly loved their children and loved being involved in their lives. Family always came first for Richard. He was a devoted husband, caring father, supportive brother, and attentive son. His ability to connect with people made everyone feel like his closest friend, and he was the first person to call in any emergency because he always knew what to do. He could fix anything, from broken dishwashers to malfunctioning jet engines. Known for his selflessness, hard work, and ability to fit 48 hours into each day, Richard's efficiency and willingness to sacrifice sleep allowed him to accomplish an astonishing amount while ensuring focused time with Julie and their children. Despite his busy schedule, Richard made a special effort to spend personal time with each of his children. No matter how chaotic the day was, when he walked in the door, he was present and would always say, “It’s good to be home.” He was a master at putting work aside and focusing on his family while at home.

Richard had a zeal for life and an adventurous spirit that led him to find joy in many pursuits. He loved motorcycling, snowmobiling, skiing, wake surfing, scuba diving, hunting, and anything with an engine. His life was riddled with tales including backflips off 70 foot cliffs, flying with F-16’s, snowmobiling through avalanches, and 8 hour motorcycle races. He could ride a wheelie on his motorcycle for an infinite distance, but flying his plane was his ultimate escape and where he found clarity and peace. He often said, “If you climb high enough, you can always find blue sky and sunshine,” reflecting his optimistic outlook on life. Flying and traveling with his family became something they all loved and looked forward to and awaited future adventures.

In 1988, Richard started at Lifetime Products as a welder in job shop production. He worked while attending Weber State University, where he later graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. During his time at Lifetime he held positions in Manufacturing, R&D, Sales & Marketing, and was key in setting up Lifetime’s International division. In 2005 he was named President of Lifetime Products by founders Barry & Kathy Mower. Following their retirement in 2013 he was named President and CEO of the company. They often referred to Richard as the “man of many talents”. Since then, the company has increased its topline by 70% and increased its global footprint to include the selling of products in over 120 different countries. He was always grateful that the Mower family trusted him to lead and guide the company. Richard loved the people he worked with and considered many of them cherished friends. He deeply cared for every single person he interacted with, always mindful of his responsibility to the thousands of global employees and their families. He traveled extensively to work with company employees and built factories in China, Tennessee and in Utah. He always enjoyed walking through the factories and speaking with every employee that crossed his path. He facilitated several global acquisitions that significantly expanded products and global reach. His world travel, experience, and dedication to his professional responsibilities earned the love and respect of company employees and owners. He truly loved and cared for the people under his stewardship. Working with retail accounts, suppliers and vendors brought fulfillment and excitement to his business enthusiasm.

Richard’s love for his Savior and dedication to studying the scriptures were evident in his life. He was always in tune with the Spirit and acted quickly on impressions. He saw the good in people and wanted everyone to be present in the moment, helping them believe in themselves and become the best versions of themselves. He served with humility and loved to help others.

He was always serving others in all facets of life from his church callings to his everyday interactions. He was an Angel Flight pilot and volunteered his time to transport those in need of medical care. His daughter Sally loved to make care packages to give to the sick children on those flights. He served on the Weber School Foundation board and was instrumental in helping to raise funds. He was involved in many ways at both South Ogden Jr. High and Bonneville High School as he donated his time and resources. He was well known for his Bonneville High Homecoming game flyovers. He served on the Debt and Deficit Task Force for Congressman Blake Moore and spoke in front of Congress to protect US manufacturing.

Richard David Hendrickson’s legacy of love, service, and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable life.

Richard is survived by his Wife, Julie; Son Samuel; Daughters; Lyssa and Mollie, Mother Sharon B. Hendrickson; Father David O. Hendrickson, Father and Mother-In-Law Bruce L. and Susie Nilson, Brothers Matthew, Josh, and Taylor; Sisters Tracie Border and Jessica Huffaker. 

Shared funeral services will be held Saturday July 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Weber State Dee Events Center, 4444 Events Center Dr., Ogden, Utah. Family and friends may visit Friday July 12, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Weber State Dee Events Center and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Weber State Dee Events Center prior to the service.

Interment, Uintah City Cemetery, 1500 E. 6450 S., Uintah, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following organizations.

Richard and Sally Hendrickson Scholarship Fund through Weber School Foundation: Foundation.wsd.net (801-476-7896)

HXP Scholarship Fund- https://destinations.hxp.org/#/donations/Hendrickson-Family-1808

Angel Flight: https://angelflightwest.org/give/

The services will be live-streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Richard’s obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com