Richard was born March 16, 1932, a son of Vern and Eva Holmes Duffin.

His parents split when he was a child, and his mother moved to California. Richard remained in Salt Lake City with his father.

As a teenager, he got a job working as an usher at the historic Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City.

On July 4, 1949, the Theatre showed a Rita Hayworth double feature in honor of the Independence Day holiday. Over 600 people were in attendance. During the show, however, a fire broke on in the basement.

Richard, the theater's assistant manager, and a fellow usher went down to investigate the blaze. When it escalated, the three tried to flee the fire; however, Richard became trapped and passed away due to smoke inhalation. He was the only victim of the tragedy.

He left behind his parents, three grandparents, and countless other extended family members.

Richard was born March 16, 1932, a son of Vern and Eva Holmes Duffin.

His parents split when he was a child, and his mother moved to California. Richard remained in Salt Lake City with his father.

As a teenager, he got a job working as an usher at the historic Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City.

On July 4, 1949, the Theatre showed a Rita Hayworth double feature in honor of the Independence Day holiday. Over 600 people were in attendance. During the show, however, a fire broke on in the basement.

Richard, the theater's assistant manager, and a fellow usher went down to investigate the blaze. When it escalated, the three tried to flee the fire; however, Richard became trapped and passed away due to smoke inhalation. He was the only victim of the tragedy.

He left behind his parents, three grandparents, and countless other extended family members.