Wayne Redd Rich

Heaven just got a little funnier and maybe a bit louder. Skier Wayne Redd Rich (100) took his last run on June 13, 2023 just 5 days before his 76th Wedding Anniversary. He was born in his home in Brigham City, Utah, on March 8, 1923 to Abel Sargent & Alice Redd Rich. He was the youngest of six children, five boys and one girl, all now deceased. He was an outstanding student and excelled at academics. When he was 12, his father was called as a Mission President for the Toronto Canada Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Wayne was the number 1 student in his school class each of the three years he lived in Canada. Upon returning to Brigham City, he was selected as a valedictorian for his high school.

Wayne was drafted in World War II into the Army Air Core (now United States Air Force). He served in England, France, Italy, and Germany, earning four Battle Stars. Upon returning home from the war, he married his sweetheart Gene (Rowena Gene Munns) on June 18, 1947 in the Logan Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Wayne earned a bachelor’s & master’s degree in math from Utah State University. He taught at Logan Junior High School before being asked to join the Math Department at USU. He retired in 1996. He enjoyed recording statistics for USU basketball and football games. Even more, he LOVED teaching and helping students and they loved him. While at USU, he earned many awards for teaching excellence and tutored students long after he retired. He also taught mathematics for one year at BYU Hawaii.

Wayne also loved farming. He started farming with his father, continued with his brother Elliot, and then with his son Jeff. He ran the combine until he was 95 years old.

Wayne served in many positions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including a mission with his wife in the Oklahoma City Mission, where they served in Joplin, MO.

He started skiing about the same time he started teaching at USU, and rarely missed an opportunity to ski. He skied 30 days when he was 97 (only stopped by COVID). He loved his association with the Beaver Mountain family and the many friendships he made skiing throughout the years. Wayne was always active, happy, and positive; he generally made all those around him feel the same.

Wayne is preceded in death by his daughter Leeann Munson and is survived by his wife Gene M. Rich, Jeff (Miriam) Rich, Julie (Tim) Hagan, Robert (Michelle) Rich, 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

This beloved math professor rested his last few days, closed his books and left for his final final. A viewing and funeral services will be held Saturday June 24, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Lundstrom Park Ward building (1260 N. 1600 E,. Logan). The viewing will take place from 10:00-11:30 a.m. and the funeral will follow at 12:00 p.m. Arrangements by Allen-Hall Mortuary. www.allenmortuaries.com

The family would like to extend a warm thank you to all the people at Blacksmith Fork Assisted Living in Hyrum, Utah, as well as Intermountain Hospice for their wonderful care and friendship. Wayne requested in lieu of flowers, to pray for snow.

The funeral will be livestreamed and can be accessed by clicking on the link below:
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