Richard Clar Purdy

Richard C Purdy passed away peacefully in his home on Jan. 21, 2021 at the age of 73. He was born on April 1, 1947, to Virginia Allen and Albert Purdy in Modesto, California. Growing up, he lived in Nevada, where he learned the hard work of being a cowboy. His mother, a night club singer, also introduced him to many famous musicians and singers whose autographed pictures he treasured. Richard and his wife, Darlene, enjoyed 27 wonderful years together before he lost the fight to his numerous medical problems that were almost all related to his military service in Vietnam. Richard served his country as a proud Marine from 1965-1968, during which time he received a Purple Heart Medal, two Bronze Stars, and other medals and citations. His name is engraved on the wall at the Duchesne County Veterans Memorial. Richard was an artist, chef, actor, musician, writer, and outdoorsman as well as a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Arts were very important to Richard and he often volunteered his time and talents to bring art projects to children during summer art programs. Besides enhancing his home and property with his woodwork, he also cut and polished stones, many of which he set into silver and gold pieces he designed and made. He also handcrafted stained glass artwork, made leather bags and belts, which he embellished with his handmade silver buttons, and built unique benches and chairs from various hardwoods. He often sold his art work online or in shops he owned or operated. His love for the theater inspired him to build sets for the plays his wife directed and produced in an old Grange Hall in Nesika Beach, Oregon. As a former professional chef who'd had his own cooking show in Portland, OR, he combined good food with a good play to create "A Dinner and a Show." When he moved to Utah in 2007, Richard signed with a talent agency. Along with some bit parts, he also played the leading role in "Stories about Porter Rockwell," a documentary produced by Rockwell's grandson, John. Richard played several musical instruments and wrote songs like, "The Legend of D.B. Cooper," after the bank robber parachuted into the woods near Ariel, WA in 1971, where Richard owned a tavern and store. He sang and played in a number of bands over the years; his rich baritone voice had the ability to span a variety of musical genres. Richard loved being outdoors. He was a logger on Mt. St. Helens before it erupted in 1980 and destroyed Spirit Lake, his favorite place to canoe. Beachcombing was a frequent activity when he lived on the Oregon coast, and he also enjoyed hiking, camping, boating, fishing, beekeeping, and gardening. Riding his Harley was a favorite pastime and over the years he attended many poker runs and rallies, including one in Sturgis SD in 2009. Richard will be greatly missed by his wife and her daughter, Celeste, who he raised from the age of two, his daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Aaron Blunt, their five children and his grandchildren, Kyle, Isabella, Alexandra, Gabriel, and Seth, his extended family, and his many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his only son, Gabriel Mason Purdy. A Celebration of Life, which is still being planned, will be held for Richard April 1, 2021 on his birthday and wedding anniversary. For information about time and place, please contact his wife, Darlene, at 435-724-7052.