Richard (Dick) Clarence Read Obituary (1934

In Loving Memory, Richard (Dick) Clarence Read age 87, peacefully passed away the morning of June 1, 2022. He was born November 10, 1934, in Hayward, California to Clarence and Alice Read. He is survived by his 6 children; Rick Read, Randy (Sharon) Read, Ronald (Susan) Read, Patricia (Tyler) Esplin, Ryan (Melanie) Read, and Jaimie (Ryan) Shaw. He has 14 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his brother Jack Read, his father Clarence Read, stepmother Velma Read, and his beloved mother Alice Block Read who passed away when Richard was just 12 years old. He has missed her dearly ever since. Richard grew up a California boy loving the beach, ocean, and sunshine. After the passing of his Mother, Richard moved to Salt Lake City where he attended West High School then went on to get his business degree at the University of Utah. Richard started his career in Northern Utah as a paint representative for Sherwin Williams. He later moved to St. George, Utah where he opened up his own paint store, “Read’s Paint and Decorating.” Richard dedicated his life to building a successful business to support his family. After many years in the paint industry Richard began transitioning out of the paint business and into a newfound love of flooring coverings, where he ran another successful business for 20 years. Richard loved all sports, anything athletic and was the ultimate competitor. Richard spent many years playing softball which led him to receive the title as Utah’s Premier Best Fastball Pitcher for multiple years. After his years of playing, he was instrumental in the development of a fast pitch softball league for girls in St. George, where he enjoyed sponsoring and coaching one of the local teams for years. Richard was an avid supporter for his children in the many sporting activities that they participated in, not only at games but at most of their practices. As Richard got older, he found a love for pickleball where on any given day he could be found at one of the pickleball courts around town. Richard had a love for boating and on any given weekend would haul his family to any lake that was warm enough to ski on. Aside from boating, Richard’s favorite place was Laguna Beach, CA. He spent as many days as possible with his children there soaking up the sun, catching waves, and tossing all manner of sporting equipment on the beach. Those memories that were created will forever be cherished. Richard will truly be missed by his family and friends.