On Saturday, February 17, 2018, Richard Wilford Grotepas, known to friends as “Dick,” passed away at the age of 82 years.

Richard was born to Roelof and Magdalene Grotepas on January 10, 1936. He grew up in the Rose Park area of Salt Lake City, Utah with his brothers, Roelof Jr., Leonard, Calvin, Merlin, and sister, Lucy. As a young man, he served a mission in the Netherlands for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He worked at Kennecott Copper Mine and attended Brigham Young University, where he was a member of the BYU Ballroom Dance Team. 

Dick was a prominent salesman for Family Record Plan and won many awards. He met Coleen Hamilton at a Valentine’s dance in 1966, and they were married a few months later on April 21 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They had 4 children together but later divorced.

Grandpa Grotepas was known for his infectious laugh, teasing spirit and funny stories. He was an avid BYU fan even when they didn’t have a winning season. His love for dancing continued throughout his life, and he attended the LDS singles dances weekly until prevented by his ailing health.

For the last 6 months of his life, Richard battled dementia, lymphoma, liver complications and kidney failure with humility and grace. Those who cared for him spoke highly of his kindness and jovial nature. During this difficult time, he affirmed to family and friends that those he cared about were truly his greatest possessions.

He is survived by his children; Bryan, Kristine (Dan), Camille (Tom) and David (Tonya); 14 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 10 at 11:00 am at the LDS Meeting House at 89 E 11000 S in Sandy, Utah. Friends may also pay tribute at his gravesite located in Pleasant Green Cemetery in Magna, Utah.

Memorial donations in memory of Richard can be made to Mission at Hillside, 1216 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105.