Dr. Richard Gordon Hiatt, 93, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2018 in South Jordan of pulmonary fibrosis.
Dick was born at home in La Grande, Oregon on November 28, 1924 to John and Julia Roundy Hiatt, and was the youngest of five children. He attended local schools, graduating from La Grande High School in 1943. From a young age, he loved movies and theatre and in high school was involved in journalism and drama and acted in many school plays.
Dick grew up during the Great Depression and worked hard during his youth. Some of his jobs included working at a hardware store, an ice cream parlor and — his favorite — the Granada Theatre.
After high school, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served his country from 1943-1946. During World War II, he served aboard the USS Anderson, the USS Ruchamkin, and also spent much of his time doing office work since he was one of the few servicemen who could type and take shorthand. In 2015, he participated with other veterans in a Utah Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial.
Dick served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the French mission, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1948-1950, where he served as Mission Secretary, Second Counselor to the Mission President, and Branch President of the Geneva Branch.
He met Shirley Anderson, originally from Salt Lake City, at a church dance in La Grande in 1947. They were married on December 27, 1951 in the Logan Utah Temple. They are the parents of three daughters, Barbara, Julie, and Denise.
Dick received bachelor's and master's degrees in Speech from the University of Oregon, and a PhD in Theatre from Brigham Young University. He was a Professor of English, Speech and Theatre at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande for thirty-two years, where he was a beloved teacher and directed over sixty plays, bringing high quality theatre to the La Grande community. Following his retirement from EOU, he continued to travel throughout Oregon for several years conducting communication workshops.
Dick was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was actively engaged in church service throughout his life. His callings included Institute Teacher, High Councilor, Bishop of the La Grande Second Ward, and Stake Executive Secretary of the La Grande Oregon Stake for eighteen years. He was also a dedicated home teacher.
Dick and Shirley made their home in La Grande for fifty-five years, where they raised their three daughters. They enjoyed trips to the Oregon Coast, camping, and musical and church activities. They relocated to Sandy in 2006 and to South Jordan in 2017.
Dick was a movie buff, story teller, puzzle do-er, grammar expert, family historian, loving husband, and devoted father and grandpa. He was fastidious about his yard, could fix just about anything, was a great whistler, and could play the piano by ear (as long as it was in the key of F); his signature song was "Blues in the Night."
Always curious and engaged in the world around him, he was a wonderful friend and neighbor and could strike up a conversation with anyone. For the last several years, he has lovingly cared for his wife, Shirley, who has been in failing health. He was truly a member of the Greatest Generation, a stellar example to his family, and will be deeply missed.
Dick is survived by his wife, Shirley (South Jordan); daughters, Barbara Sweat (Dennis) (South Jordan), Julie Higgins (Thomas) (Vancouver, Washington), and Denise Haynie (Joseph) (Draper); eight grandchildren, Angela Hallstrom (Woodbury, Minnesota), Andrew Sweat (Greensboro, North Carolina), Anthony Sweat (Springville), Amy Huish (Castle Rock, Colorado), Benjamin Higgins (Seattle, Washington), Julia Warren (Poway, California), Russell Higgins (Everett, Washington), and Emma Haynie (Draper); and twenty-three great-grandchildren. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack, Elwood, and David Hiatt; a sister, Barbara Hiatt Bean; and a great-grandson, Wyatt Hallstrom.
The family would like to thank the staff of Sagewood Assisted Living and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their loving and attentive care during the last months of Dick's life.
Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, where a visitation will be held prior to the services from 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News from May 3 to May 4, 2018.
Dick was born at home in La Grande, Oregon on November 28, 1924 to John and Julia Roundy Hiatt, and was the youngest of five children. He attended local schools, graduating from La Grande High School in 1943. From a young age, he loved movies and theatre and in high school was involved in journalism and drama and acted in many school plays.
Dick grew up during the Great Depression and worked hard during his youth. Some of his jobs included working at a hardware store, an ice cream parlor and — his favorite — the Granada Theatre.
After high school, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served his country from 1943-1946. During World War II, he served aboard the USS Anderson, the USS Ruchamkin, and also spent much of his time doing office work since he was one of the few servicemen who could type and take shorthand. In 2015, he participated with other veterans in a Utah Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial.
Dick served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the French mission, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1948-1950, where he served as Mission Secretary, Second Counselor to the Mission President, and Branch President of the Geneva Branch.
He met Shirley Anderson, originally from Salt Lake City, at a church dance in La Grande in 1947. They were married on December 27, 1951 in the Logan Utah Temple. They are the parents of three daughters, Barbara, Julie, and Denise.
Dick received bachelor's and master's degrees in Speech from the University of Oregon, and a PhD in Theatre from Brigham Young University. He was a Professor of English, Speech and Theatre at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande for thirty-two years, where he was a beloved teacher and directed over sixty plays, bringing high quality theatre to the La Grande community. Following his retirement from EOU, he continued to travel throughout Oregon for several years conducting communication workshops.
Dick was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was actively engaged in church service throughout his life. His callings included Institute Teacher, High Councilor, Bishop of the La Grande Second Ward, and Stake Executive Secretary of the La Grande Oregon Stake for eighteen years. He was also a dedicated home teacher.
Dick and Shirley made their home in La Grande for fifty-five years, where they raised their three daughters. They enjoyed trips to the Oregon Coast, camping, and musical and church activities. They relocated to Sandy in 2006 and to South Jordan in 2017.
Dick was a movie buff, story teller, puzzle do-er, grammar expert, family historian, loving husband, and devoted father and grandpa. He was fastidious about his yard, could fix just about anything, was a great whistler, and could play the piano by ear (as long as it was in the key of F); his signature song was "Blues in the Night."
Always curious and engaged in the world around him, he was a wonderful friend and neighbor and could strike up a conversation with anyone. For the last several years, he has lovingly cared for his wife, Shirley, who has been in failing health. He was truly a member of the Greatest Generation, a stellar example to his family, and will be deeply missed.
Dick is survived by his wife, Shirley (South Jordan); daughters, Barbara Sweat (Dennis) (South Jordan), Julie Higgins (Thomas) (Vancouver, Washington), and Denise Haynie (Joseph) (Draper); eight grandchildren, Angela Hallstrom (Woodbury, Minnesota), Andrew Sweat (Greensboro, North Carolina), Anthony Sweat (Springville), Amy Huish (Castle Rock, Colorado), Benjamin Higgins (Seattle, Washington), Julia Warren (Poway, California), Russell Higgins (Everett, Washington), and Emma Haynie (Draper); and twenty-three great-grandchildren. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack, Elwood, and David Hiatt; a sister, Barbara Hiatt Bean; and a great-grandson, Wyatt Hallstrom.
The family would like to thank the staff of Sagewood Assisted Living and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their loving and attentive care during the last months of Dick's life.
Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, where a visitation will be held prior to the services from 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News from May 3 to May 4, 2018.
Dr. Richard Gordon Hiatt, 93, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2018 in South Jordan of pulmonary fibrosis.
Dick was born at home in La Grande, Oregon on November 28, 1924 to John and Julia Roundy Hiatt, and was the youngest of five children. He attended local schools, graduating from La Grande High School in 1943. From a young age, he loved movies and theatre and in high school was involved in journalism and drama and acted in many school plays.
Dick grew up during the Great Depression and worked hard during his youth. Some of his jobs included working at a hardware store, an ice cream parlor and — his favorite — the Granada Theatre.
After high school, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served his country from 1943-1946. During World War II, he served aboard the USS Anderson, the USS Ruchamkin, and also spent much of his time doing office work since he was one of the few servicemen who could type and take shorthand. In 2015, he participated with other veterans in a Utah Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial.
Dick served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the French mission, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1948-1950, where he served as Mission Secretary, Second Counselor to the Mission President, and Branch President of the Geneva Branch.
He met Shirley Anderson, originally from Salt Lake City, at a church dance in La Grande in 1947. They were married on December 27, 1951 in the Logan Utah Temple. They are the parents of three daughters, Barbara, Julie, and Denise.
Dick received bachelor's and master's degrees in Speech from the University of Oregon, and a PhD in Theatre from Brigham Young University. He was a Professor of English, Speech and Theatre at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande for thirty-two years, where he was a beloved teacher and directed over sixty plays, bringing high quality theatre to the La Grande community. Following his retirement from EOU, he continued to travel throughout Oregon for several years conducting communication workshops.
Dick was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was actively engaged in church service throughout his life. His callings included Institute Teacher, High Councilor, Bishop of the La Grande Second Ward, and Stake Executive Secretary of the La Grande Oregon Stake for eighteen years. He was also a dedicated home teacher.
Dick and Shirley made their home in La Grande for fifty-five years, where they raised their three daughters. They enjoyed trips to the Oregon Coast, camping, and musical and church activities. They relocated to Sandy in 2006 and to South Jordan in 2017.
Dick was a movie buff, story teller, puzzle do-er, grammar expert, family historian, loving husband, and devoted father and grandpa. He was fastidious about his yard, could fix just about anything, was a great whistler, and could play the piano by ear (as long as it was in the key of F); his signature song was "Blues in the Night."
Always curious and engaged in the world around him, he was a wonderful friend and neighbor and could strike up a conversation with anyone. For the last several years, he has lovingly cared for his wife, Shirley, who has been in failing health. He was truly a member of the Greatest Generation, a stellar example to his family, and will be deeply missed.
Dick is survived by his wife, Shirley (South Jordan); daughters, Barbara Sweat (Dennis) (South Jordan), Julie Higgins (Thomas) (Vancouver, Washington), and Denise Haynie (Joseph) (Draper); eight grandchildren, Angela Hallstrom (Woodbury, Minnesota), Andrew Sweat (Greensboro, North Carolina), Anthony Sweat (Springville), Amy Huish (Castle Rock, Colorado), Benjamin Higgins (Seattle, Washington), Julia Warren (Poway, California), Russell Higgins (Everett, Washington), and Emma Haynie (Draper); and twenty-three great-grandchildren. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack, Elwood, and David Hiatt; a sister, Barbara Hiatt Bean; and a great-grandson, Wyatt Hallstrom.
The family would like to thank the staff of Sagewood Assisted Living and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their loving and attentive care during the last months of Dick's life.
Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, where a visitation will be held prior to the services from 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News from May 3 to May 4, 2018.
Dick was born at home in La Grande, Oregon on November 28, 1924 to John and Julia Roundy Hiatt, and was the youngest of five children. He attended local schools, graduating from La Grande High School in 1943. From a young age, he loved movies and theatre and in high school was involved in journalism and drama and acted in many school plays.
Dick grew up during the Great Depression and worked hard during his youth. Some of his jobs included working at a hardware store, an ice cream parlor and — his favorite — the Granada Theatre.
After high school, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served his country from 1943-1946. During World War II, he served aboard the USS Anderson, the USS Ruchamkin, and also spent much of his time doing office work since he was one of the few servicemen who could type and take shorthand. In 2015, he participated with other veterans in a Utah Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial.
Dick served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the French mission, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1948-1950, where he served as Mission Secretary, Second Counselor to the Mission President, and Branch President of the Geneva Branch.
He met Shirley Anderson, originally from Salt Lake City, at a church dance in La Grande in 1947. They were married on December 27, 1951 in the Logan Utah Temple. They are the parents of three daughters, Barbara, Julie, and Denise.
Dick received bachelor's and master's degrees in Speech from the University of Oregon, and a PhD in Theatre from Brigham Young University. He was a Professor of English, Speech and Theatre at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande for thirty-two years, where he was a beloved teacher and directed over sixty plays, bringing high quality theatre to the La Grande community. Following his retirement from EOU, he continued to travel throughout Oregon for several years conducting communication workshops.
Dick was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was actively engaged in church service throughout his life. His callings included Institute Teacher, High Councilor, Bishop of the La Grande Second Ward, and Stake Executive Secretary of the La Grande Oregon Stake for eighteen years. He was also a dedicated home teacher.
Dick and Shirley made their home in La Grande for fifty-five years, where they raised their three daughters. They enjoyed trips to the Oregon Coast, camping, and musical and church activities. They relocated to Sandy in 2006 and to South Jordan in 2017.
Dick was a movie buff, story teller, puzzle do-er, grammar expert, family historian, loving husband, and devoted father and grandpa. He was fastidious about his yard, could fix just about anything, was a great whistler, and could play the piano by ear (as long as it was in the key of F); his signature song was "Blues in the Night."
Always curious and engaged in the world around him, he was a wonderful friend and neighbor and could strike up a conversation with anyone. For the last several years, he has lovingly cared for his wife, Shirley, who has been in failing health. He was truly a member of the Greatest Generation, a stellar example to his family, and will be deeply missed.
Dick is survived by his wife, Shirley (South Jordan); daughters, Barbara Sweat (Dennis) (South Jordan), Julie Higgins (Thomas) (Vancouver, Washington), and Denise Haynie (Joseph) (Draper); eight grandchildren, Angela Hallstrom (Woodbury, Minnesota), Andrew Sweat (Greensboro, North Carolina), Anthony Sweat (Springville), Amy Huish (Castle Rock, Colorado), Benjamin Higgins (Seattle, Washington), Julia Warren (Poway, California), Russell Higgins (Everett, Washington), and Emma Haynie (Draper); and twenty-three great-grandchildren. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack, Elwood, and David Hiatt; a sister, Barbara Hiatt Bean; and a great-grandson, Wyatt Hallstrom.
The family would like to thank the staff of Sagewood Assisted Living and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their loving and attentive care during the last months of Dick's life.
Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, where a visitation will be held prior to the services from 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News from May 3 to May 4, 2018.
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