Obituary of Richard Loren Houston

Richard Loren Houston

Born April 23, 1942 to Alice Artimishie and Loren Houston passed away December 30, 2018. Dad was surrounded by family at his passing and was at peace. He is preceded in death by his father, step father (Anton Lundin), and mother as well as 2 brothers Bud and Lonny.

Born in American Fork, Richard attended school there and at 17 joined the military and served in Germany for 3 years. It was in the military that he learned a lifelong career that he still practiced even a few short months ago but illness wouldn’t let him continue. Dad held licenses in Utah and Wyoming. He worked for nearly 15 years in Carbon County and was affiliated with Operating Engineers local No. 3 for 20 years. After retiring from Operating Engineers he worked for the Bureau of Land Management and some private firms. He traveled throughout the western United States offering his expertise in a lot of big projects.  He served as the President of the local survey chapter in Utah.  Dad was a practical man and took work very serious. He took pride in helping the up and coming surveyors with the tried and true techniques of “old school surveying” Dad always looked for those who wanted a career path and spent a lot of time helping them get in the door.  Dad was always up to the challenge to learn new techniques and equipment and this kept him relevant and in demand for nearly 60 years.

While in Germany Richard met Karin Mardquardt they were married for 10 years and had 3 children Richard, Sonja, and Lana.

While working in Carbon County Richard met Valene Ellen Jensen and they were married for 14 years and later divorced. They had one son, Dewey.

For the last 30 years K. Elaine Batty and Dad have been together.

As the oldest brother Dad had a keen sense to want to help. He was softer than most people knew. He was guided by his heart but kept everything within a logical and practical purview. Dad was quick to help but believed it was important to help yourself and to always better your situation, proven in the years of certifications and ongoing education from Universities like Auburn and BYU.  Most importantly he wanted you to plan for the future.  He was strong and tough and good for a quip. He enjoyed elk hunting with his brothers and being outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and spent a life time landing fish. As far as anyone knows he was never seen without a mustache.  Dad’s favorite word was grind as that was how you solved any problem. “Grind it out”.  He followed his own advice and always thought through every situation until he had a solution. Surely, Dad will be missed and as he would say it “Okay I’ll see you later” which meant he loved you.

Dad will be buried at the Midway Cemetery. Due to weather a celebration of his life will be held in the summer.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11 am at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, American Fork. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Please share a memory at andersonmortuary.com.