Richard Wayne Thompson (Rick) 

February 26, 1947 – October 29, 2021

"May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds."

- Edward Abbey

Richard Wayne Thompson (Rick), 74, passed away on Friday, October 29, 2021, surrounded by beloved family. 

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Rick was raised in New Jersey, where he attended the Peddie School. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in San Jose, California. His college years were spent at Brigham Young University where he earned a degree in political science in 1972.  In 1973, he married Jill Welch in the Los Angeles temple, and together, they raised five formidable children. Theirs was a home filled with tenacious daredevils, rock and roll, huge love for outdoor fun and thrills, rugged individualism and Jill’s renowned cooking and baking, where her Sunday and holiday meals still draw a crowd.

Rick was preceded in death by both parents, Charles Thompson and Lois Rust Thompson, his sister Eileen Pitcher, and his brother Charles Dale Thompson. Rick is survived by his wife, Jill Welch Thompson, cherished children, Emily (Felix), Eric, Michael, Scott, and Christopher, his grandson, Leif, as well as his sisters, Laura Maggard, RuthAnn Hubbard, and Kathy Knuteson.

An absolute original, Rick loved the outdoors most of all and there found peace, adventure, and a deep spiritual connection, especially within the vast expanse of Zion National Park, his most favorite place on earth.  Zion was a second and sacred home to Rick, where he led countless expeditions and taught others to love and respect our earthly home.

His natural state was outdoors, where Rick became a true Utah pioneer and a member of the Wasatch Mountain Club, leading the canyoneering group for over 12 years and 200+ activities. Planning and executing trips by boat, bicycle and on foot (including boots, snowshoes, and skis) so others could experience the splendors of the West was his primary focus and passion.  He championed safety and success for many new and experienced canyoneers and fought for the preservation and protection of these special places. 

A devoted BYU football and overall sports fan, Rick shared great memories with his family and friends supporting the Cougars.  Treasured family memories also included annual beach vacations to Oceanside, CA, where boogie boarding, washers tournaments and the promise of shenanigans brought extended family together for decades of energetic tradition.  This past summer allowed Rick and the family to assemble once again and create treasured memories that will last a lifetime. 

Rick’s enduring spirit will undoubtedly find you in the natural world, in the winds of the canyons, on the side of a granite mountain, wherever it is wild, he will be there.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and caretakers at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray for helping Rick proudly defeat Stage 4 cancer, and then again for their tender and focused care during the last days of his heartbreaking battle with Covid 19. 

 A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 12:30 PM at Wheeler Historic Farm with a lunch reception to follow.  Rick’s family has requested if you have a photo or memory to share of him, kindly bring it with you to the service.

Life Celebration and Luncheon

Saturday, November 13, 2021

12:30 PM 

Wheeler Historic Farm
6351 South 900 East  
Murray, UT 84121

After Party Hosted by The Wasatch Mountain Club

Saturday, November 13, 2021

4:00 PM

Garage on Beck (outdoor patio)

1199 Beck St.

Salt Lake City, UT 84103

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to go for a hike in his honor and/or make a gift to your favorite nature conservation organization.