Rich passed away after complications from a recent fall at his home. He was born to John Hyrum Mechan and Annie Miller and grew up in Park Valley. During World War II, he served in the Army as a wire corporal with the 250th Coast Artillery in Alaska and the 527th Field Artillery Battalion in Italy. After his discharge from the Army, he married Florence on Nov. 4, 1945, in Tremonton, UT; they were later sealed in the Logan Temple. They lived in Park Valley, UT, Wendell and Bruneau, ID, and in 1987 moved to the Goshen area, south of Shelley, to be closer to family. They served an LDS mission in St. George, UT, and also served as ordinance workers in Boise Temple. His favorite occupations were as a "cowboy" in Jackson Hole, WY, and as a government trapper in Owyhee County, Idaho. He retired from Idaho State Highway Department after being employed there for 18 years. Rich loved a good horse and loved breaking them to ride. However at 89 years of age, after being bucked off his latest pony, Florence convinced him to settle for raising chickens, rope making, garden growing and yard work. He loved to teach secrets. He had learned about making great ropes and delighted in giving his custom ropes to others. He had an amazing garden and found joy in sharing his bounty with everyone. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Survivors included: son Darwin (Donna) Mecham of Idaho Falls; daughters Doris (David) Stewart of Idaho Falls and Kathy (Hernan) Gonzalez of Bloomsbury, PA; son-in-law Claudon (Margaret) Lilya of Blackfoot; 21 grandchildren; and 67 great-grandchildren. Preceding were his daughter Ann Lilya, daughter-in-law Debra Mecham, a sister, and four brothers. Military rites conducted at Groveland by David B. Bleak Post 93 assisted by Idaho Honor Guard, following funeral services on January 28th at Goshen Ward Chapel at 792 N 1090 East. Bishop Renn Christensen conducted. Arrangements entrusted to Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley.