Richard Jensen

Richard Douglas Jensen June 14, 1946 - March 13, 2025

Richard passed away on March 13, 2025, after a brief battle with pulmonary fibrosis. His sudden passing left his family and friends heartbroken. A guiding force in the lives of many, Richard’s wisdom, love, and steadfast presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Richard Douglas Jensen was born on June 14, 1946, in Rupert, Idaho, to Leo Douglas Jensen and Josie Audrey Hall. He was the eldest of three brothers—Allen, Calvin, and Ellis Jensen—and had an older brother, Bruce, who passed away in infancy. Rich spent his childhood in Layton, Utah, where he developed a deep love for adventure. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and exploring the mountains behind his home. As the eldest son, he took on the responsibility of helping support his family from a young age, working various jobs, including at the Davis Drive-In and bowling alley. Rich had a deep passion for cars and an exceptional talent for mechanics. From a young age, he found joy in taking apart and improving engines, a skill that remained a lifelong pursuit.

He graduated from Davis High School in 1964. Shortly after, his father’s sudden passing from a heart attack left a lasting impact on him. In 1966, Richard joined the Army National Guard, completing basic training the following year. He often recounted how, not long after enlisting, he narrowly avoided being drafted into the Vietnam War. In 1970, he was assigned to the 6th Battalion, 83rd Field Artillery in the Army Reserve, where he served for 16 years. Rich’s dedication and leadership were widely recognized, and he later transferred to the 96th ARCOM Headquarters at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City, where he was promoted to Sergeant Major. There, he developed and implemented a highly successful training program to prepare soldiers for basic training. He spent the final years of his distinguished 31-year military career with the 91st Training Division, overseeing soldier training across seven western states.

Richard worked tirelessly to provide for his family, holding various jobs throughout his life. He worked for FRAM at the Freeport Center and spent time driving semi-trucks for Smith’s. However, the majority of his career was spent at Hill Air Force Base, where he dedicated 35 years of service. He started as a machinist and steadily advanced into supervisory roles before ultimately transitioning into management. In his final position, Richard was responsible for maintaining radomes and antennas for the Air Force at installations around the world. His expertise and leadership were widely respected, and he took great pride in his contributions before retiring in October 2007.

On April 18, 1969, Richard married his sweetheart, Nadine DeGroot. Together, they built a life in Riverdale, Utah, raising their children—Kim, Scott, and Brooke. One of their twin girls, Kelly, passed away suddenly as an infant, which was a difficult loss for his family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather to six grandchildren, Richard cherished and prioritized his family above all else. Rich also built a strong brotherhood with a close-knit group of friends who became like family. Together, they shared countless adventures, from weekends spent in the mountains to fishing trips and road excursions. Whether planning the next great outing or simply gathering around to play cards, Richard found immense joy in these friendships. His loyalty and humor was appreciated by all, and the memories they created together will be cherished forever. His love for adventure extended beyond his military career—he was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in camping, hunting, fishing, boating, and both snow and water skiing. He instilled his adventurous spirit in his family, creating countless cherished memories through shared experiences in the great outdoors.

Richard was an active member of the Riverdale 6th Ward, where he formed lasting friendships and found joy in worshipping and serving alongside his fellow members.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his four brothers, his son Scott, and his daughter Kelly.

Richard was a fiercely loyal friend; those who knew him best will remember his generous heart, unwavering kindness, and adventurous spirit. His presence leaves an unfillable void in the lives of those who loved him.

A viewing will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on March 20, 2025 at Myers Mortuary, 5865 South 1900 West, Roy. A graveside service for Richard will be held on March 21, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Clearfield City Cemetery, 1050 State St. Clearfield, Utah.