Richard J. Heap passed away peacefully on Dec 11 ^th 2023 in Payson Utah.

Richard was born January 6, 1948, to Daniel LeRoy Heap and Eloise Judd Heap in Cedar City Utah.  He spent most of his childhood between Cedar City and Panguitch, Utah. Growing up in Cedar City he soon had developed a love for the outdoors. His Grandpa Judd worked for the Forest Service and he helped Rich gain a knowledge and love for the mountains in southern Utah. He loved just being on his horse and having nothing but time to explore. As a teenager he moved with his family to Orem, UT where his father was employed with Geneva Steel.  He graduated from Orem High School in 1966.

Shortly after the move, sadly, Richard’s father passed away. This left Rich and his three brothers to take care of their sweet mother.  As a result, they were exceptionally close to and very protective of their mother. During this time Richard would spend his summers in Panguitch doing what he loved to do – working and riding his horse outdoors whenever he could.

Richard served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Texas mission. (Yes, that far back it was the entire state of Texas.) He returned to Orem and attended BYU where he met the love of his life, Diane Cooley. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on April 2 ^nd , 1970. They have 4 children: Jennifer (Wes) McDonald, Shellie (Cody) Hanks, Jeff (Talia) Heap and Alison Olsen. He went on and graduated with his Civil Engineer degree. He loved being outdoors and this was just a perfect fit for him. He often would take the kids to go survey. They would be on the side of some mountain with Dad telling them to move to the right or left. The memories are something his children will always cherish.

Richard worked for Spanish Fork City as the City Engineer and Public Works director for 35 years until his retirement in January 2011. He met many lifelong friends working for the city and calls most of them family. Richard has never met a stranger. He loved everyone and always looked for the good in people.

Richard was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. His favorite was being the scout master for many years. Richard achieved the rank of Silver Beaver in the scouting program.

Richard’s favorite things to do were to be outdoors: camping, hunting, riding horses, riding 4-wheelers, or doing anything that included him being up in the mountains. He loved to go to Sanford. Many family members will always remember the epic Heap Family reunions that Richard planned.

Richard is survived by his wife Diane, their four children, twelve grandkids, one great-grandchild, one brother, Ron (Elna) Heap, many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, and two foster daughters: Jennie Thompson and Thomasina Long.  He is preceded death by his parents and two brothers Daniel R. (Christine) Heap and Boyd Heap.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 1128 East 100 South, Payson, Utah 84651.  Family and friends may gather at a viewing to be held Friday evening, December 15, 2023, at the church from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning, December 16, 2023 at the church from 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral.  Interment will be at Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660

Services will be livestreamed. To view, please return to this memorial page on Saturday morning, December 16, 2023 shortly before 11:00 a.m. and click on the link below.