RICHARD GENE UKENA

CLEARFIELD – Richard went home to our Heavenly Father and our Savior on June 18, 2004. He was 56 years old. He will be sorely missed by his loved ones and friends. He was loved and admired for his sense of humor, integrity, and unconditional love. His courage, faith, patience, strength, and peace were an inspiration to others in the years of his battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Leukemia.

Richard was born June 25, 1947 to Arthur and Iola Ukena in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. They moved to Clearfield, Utah when he was a baby and then moved to South Weber, where Richard was raised on their farm. He graduated from Clearfield High School in 1965.

Richard was drafted into the Army in November, 1966. He served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. Although his illness may have been caused by exposure to chemicals there, he was proud of his service to his country and was glad he served. He had strong patriotic feelings.

Richard married Kathleen (Kathy) Arave on November 8, 1968 in Sunset, Utah. They were sealed to each other in the Logan LDS Temple on November 10, 1969. They had six wonderful children, who he was very proud of. Richard was the grandfather of 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Richard was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a High Priest in the Clearfield 6th Ward, where he served in many positions. He especially enjoyed his time as a counselor in the bishopric and was loved as a teacher.

Richard worked as a mail carrier for the United States Post Office for over 34 years. He retired in October, 2003. He was active in Branch 68 of the Mail Handler’s Union and served as a shop steward and an officer for many years. He also did roofing on the side and really enjoyed the companionship of friends he worked with.

Richard loved to be with his family. He enjoyed vacations, going to the family cabin, fishing, and putting puzzles together. Most vacations were happily spent with out-of-state children.

Surviving are his wife, Kathy, his daughters Wendy (Jack) Boog, Las Vegas, Nevada; Tawny (Chris) Valleau, Edgewood, New Mexico; Shay (Ryan) Mosley, Layton; his sons Kacy (Crystal), Clearfield; Brandon (Heather), Clinton; James, Clearfield; his parents, Art and Iola, South Weber; his brothers Dale (Gail), South Weber; Lloyd (Jan), South Weber; and Steve, West Weber; his sisters Jill (Glen) Higley, Clinton; Leann, Salt Lake City; a half-sister Sherrie (David) Squires, Riverdale; his grandchildren and great-grandchild, and many other loved ones in his extended and in-law family.

Richard wanted us to express deep gratitude to Dr. Harold Johnson and his staff, those who served him in IV therapy, the McKay Hospital Foundation, Hospice, and everyone else who participated in his excellent care. We are grateful to them for their caring service to him.