Richard K. "Dick" Grover

1930 - 2020

VETERAN

❦ Early Life: Richard "Dick" was born November 28, 1930, in Tooele, Utah, to Lowell A. and Merle Rosina Ridd Grover. He grew up in Brigham City, Utah, where he worked hard on his parents' farm and loved agriculture.

❦ Life's Work | Service | Interests: This led to a scholarship to Utah State, where he attended before serving in the Central States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Immediately after his mission, he was drafted into the United States Army. Finally, Dick was ready to settle back in to school at Utah State, until he was persuaded by friends to go to Brigham Young University, a difficult thing for a true Aggie to do! This turned out to be a life-altering decision, as right away, he met fellow student, Patricia Rae "Pat" Pace, from Arizona, his true love and life partner.

❦ After receiving a degree in English and Speech from BYU, and the birth of their daughter, Jolene, the adventurous couple set off for the Tongan Islands, where Richard taught Seminary and English in the Church's schools there. The nearly six years in the islands brought many wonderful experiences, friends, and memories, but the most important was the adoption of their little Polynesian daughter, Colette.

❦ Returning to Provo, the Grovers built a new home, adopted a son, Mark, and Richard started working for BYU at the university's press. Later, he became Director of the Press, and then worked as Administrative Assistant Vice President over Campus Communications.

❦ After 37 years of service at BYU, Richard retired and the adventurous spirit struck again. Richard and Pat were able to serve missions for the Church in Hawaii, Australia, and Nauvoo, garnering new friends and new experiences, as Richard used his leadership and teaching skills to enrich the lives of others.

❦ Richard will be remembered for his innovation and quick thinking. He loved woodworking, creating a beautiful yard, and could jury-rig and fix anything! He loved a good bargain and was known as a "wheeler-dealer"! He was a big tease and a great storyteller. He was always on time, if not early! Most importantly, his loved ones saw his faith throughout his life, and in his own words: "I think throughout this history and stories of my life, it is evident that there is no doubt that I have had many blessings and miracles…" He truly did live a full life. Richard K. Grover passed away peacefully at his home in Provo, Utah, on the morning of September 18, 2020. He was 89.

❦ Family Message: ...our dear Dad, beloved husband of 65 years, and "Bubba Dick," passed away peacefully at his home... The family would like to express thanks to Bristol Home Health Care and Hospice. The aides were so good to Richard, and a special thanks to Sarah Moore and David Zemp for their kind, professional expertise. Also, love and gratitude to the dear friends of the Edgemont 5th Ward for so much service, kindness and care, and to Tiffany Tenney from Walker Sanderson Funeral Home. We couldn't have done it without you!

❦ Survived By: His wife, Pat; his three children: Jolene (Glen) Clark, of Washington; Colette (Jason) Terry, of Orem; and Mark (Melanie Reisner), of Virginia; as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

❦ Preceded In Death By: His parents and his two brothers, Scott and Ridd.

❦ Obituary: © 2020 | Walker Sanderson Funeral Home

❦ Services: Walker Sanderson Funeral Home

❦ Interment: Orem City Cemetery

Bio compiled by: Annie Duckett Hundley