Richard L. Gray
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, Richard L. Gray, passed away on March 15, 2023, in Salt Lake City, Utah, as a result of complications from a cardiac arrest. He was 75 years old. Richard was born on January 27, 1948, in Carthage, Missouri to Robert Eldridge Gray and Edith Jane Crawford. Richard’s childhood was spent in Midland, Texas, as well as Carthage and Higginsville, Missouri. Spending
summers on his grandparents’ farm were some of his most talked about and beloved memories of his childhood. Richard served in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War (from 1967 to 1969), fighting in several major campaigns and battles, including the Battle at Hamburger Hill. He received a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart, and many other medals and commendations for his dedicated service to his Country. Richard spent over 40 years in the banking and finance profession, which he truly loved. He was passionate about supporting local entrepreneurs and small business owners to thrive. Many of his customers became close friends, and some considered him to be an extension of their own family. He received the Small Business Advocate of the Year Award in 1994. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Utah Microloan Fund for more than 18 years, providing hundreds of small business loans and advice to entrepreneurs in start-up and existing businesses. The UMLF was a program near and dear to his heart. Richard retired in 2016 from the Bank of American Fork (now known as Alta Bank). In addition to these pursuits, Richard also held many leadership positions as a civic leader in his community. He served many years on the Executive Committee as President of the Board of Camp Kostopulos Dream Foundation, and was named the Camp K Honorary Ambassador in 2022 for his service with this wonderful foundation.
Richard was a true fan of his Utah Utes and Kansas City Chiefs football teams. He especially enjoyed time spent with his beloved family camping, fishing, and the many family vacations spent in Newport Beach, Balboa Island, Florida, Las Vegas, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (his all-time favorite) brought so much joy to his life. Richard’s cherished hobby was playing golf. He was a member of the Senior League at the Mick Riley Golf Course, where he could be found at least three days a week playing his beloved sport. Some of his happiest moments were golfing on the weekends with his grandson, sons-in-law and friends.
Richard married Patricia “Patty” Flandro on September 22, 1984. He was her best friend, lover and soul mate for 38 wonderful years of marriage. He was the absolute love of her life, and their marriage was a tremendous example of the power of humor, mutual respect, commitment, gratitude, and everlasting love. Richard has been the rock for our family, a true caregiver to us all, and his passing has left a void that no one can replace. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Richard made a difference in the lives of so many people, and his memory will live on forever in our hearts. Richard is survived by his wife Patty, daughters Tammee (Kevin) Koncar, Kimberly (Brent) Steedman, Tina Williams, Denise Steedman; brother-in- law Robert (Robyn) Brown, sister Debbie (Roger) Lowe, Vicki Durbin, and many adored grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Edith, mother-in-law Bernice Brown, brother Ron Gray, sister-in-law Lana Gray, brother-in-law Mike Brown, and sister-in-law Shawnee Brown.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.