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In Memory

Edward Rich - Class of 1932

Deseret Morning News, 09/26/05


Edward Hunter Rich, age 91, passed away September 23, 2005 in Orem, Utah. He was born April 5, 1914 in Montpelier, Idaho a twin son of Edward Charles and Deborah Dalrymple Rich. After graduating from Montpelier High School in 1932, he attended the University of Utah for two years. From 1934 to 1937, he and his twin brother, Emerson, served in the German-Austrian Mission of the LDS church, with headquarters in Berlin. 

Returning to the University of Utah in 1937, he entered law school. After one year, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he resumed the study of law at George Washington University and was employed with the federal government. Upon graduation and admission to the bar, he opted not to practice law but continued a career in the federal service. He traveled extensively for the government during World War II, and in 1946 moved to Los Angeles, California. He retired in 1973 after a career of 34 years in the federal civil service, the last 25 years being with the CIA. 

Edward married Beth Richards July 3, 1941 in the Logan LDS Temple. They lived in Washington, D.C. until 1946 when they moved to Los Angeles. An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many capacities, including three stake missions, a member of a bishopric, and on two high councils. For five and one-half years he served as bishop of the Van Nuys (California) Ward and then as stake patriarch for three years. After retirement he moved to Provo, Utah in 1976 where he served as an ordinance worker in the Provo Temple for eight years and as ward and stake financial clerk for 15 years. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed furnishing fish to neighbors and friends. 

He is survived by sons, David E. (Marleen) Rich of Bellevue, Washington, Alan M. (Linda) Rich of Falls Church, Virginia, and Kenneth A. (Vicki) Rich of Herndon, Virginia; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beth; two sisters, Helen E. Rich and Edna R. Nelson; and two brothers, Joseph C. Rich and Emerson R. Rich (twin). Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 29, 2005 at the Edgemont 9th Ward, 4300 North Canyon Road, Provo, Utah, 11 a.m. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.