Bear Lake Aug. 3-5

It was time for my ward's annual trip to Bear Lake. It was a blast. We ended up going while it was Raspberry Days. We did go to the park and visit the vendors and on Friday the parade went by the house we were staying at. Things not pictured: getting/eating a raspberry shake, tie-dying shirts, playing card games, board games, and other games, all the lake day activities, and a beautiful lightning storm. Thanks to everyone who helped make this activity a success!

Hiking

Carol's Relative

Playing Slip-N-Slide Kickball

The Parade

Playing Cross Net (a combination of 4-square and volleyball)

Playing Paddle Smash (a combination of pickle ball and spike ball)

Lake Day

Playing Murder in the Dark

Memories of Rich

    I had the privilege of working with Rich. He was a social worker in my unit. Rich was a person that you could know for only 5 minutes and feel that he was a friend and someone who wanted the best for you. He fought hard for patients and their needs. 

    I remember he had some fantastic outfits. I loved looking at his socks. He liked fun socks like me. My unit got into eating Hi-Chews. Rich bought some interesting flavors for us to try. I'm going to miss getting into his cupboard and finding a new, random flavor to try.

    One day in treatment team, we were talking with a patient we have had several times. I can't go into what this patient was like, his diagnosis, etc. I can't remember what he said (even if I did, I wouldn't be able to share), but Rich responded with, "Well, it sucks to be you." It was so funny (don't worry, the patient did not take offense)! I remember thinking it was a good thing none of our director/managers were in the room with us.

    I'm going to miss talking about movies and TV shows with him. He was always up for talking and quoting them. He would always quote Easy A and Mean Girls with Colin (another social worker). He also enjoyed live theater. We would share the shows we had seen and what ones were good. He once went to a concert of Bernadette Peters with the Utah Symphony. He was so excited to share how fun and amazing it was. His excitement was contagious.

    We went to a birthday party for Rylee (a night tech on the unit). The day shift that were going decided to wear funny T-shirts. He came in a tank top that said: "Save the Chubby Unicorn". It was aqua blue. It had a rhino under a rainbow. He loved that shirt. 

    We often would b.s. about work. As I would look and apply for other jobs, he would always tell me that if he were stuck at ORMC, I had to be stuck with him. This was all said lovingly and jokingly. There were a few applications he offered to be a reference for me, which I appreciate.

    We are going to miss you Rich. Thanks for being not just a co-worker, but also a friend.

Rich's Funeral and Dinner After

 

Back Row Left to Right: Justin Hatch, McKenzei Martin, Elizabeth Corn, Shari Haws, Marc Richards, Jen Gorder, Austin Goebel, Shay
Front Row Left to Right: Maddie Ward, Alli Pingree, Colin Dougherty, Me, SaiDee Falslev, Ashley Wilson
Not Pictured: Colin's Wife Sarah and Angie, a hospital admin.

Dinner at the Spaghetti Factory

Thanks Shari for the shirt and thanks Hospital Admin for paying for all of our meals!

Richard (Rich) Johnston's Obituary

Richard Johnston Obituary

Richard "RJ" Gregory Johnston, 41, of Ogden, Utah, died peacefully in his sleep on July 21, 2023 in McCammon, Idaho.
He was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming on October 22, 1981, to parents Robert Wayne and Wanda Gay Johnston. He graduated from Rock Springs High School in 2000. He was a member of the National Honor Society and received the Presidential Award for his 4.0 GPA throughout high school. He then went on to receive his Masters Degree in Psychology from University of Phoenix. He maintained his perfect 4.0 GPA throughout his post-secondary education, as well.
At the time of his death, Rich was a Clinical Mental Health Counselor at Ogden Regional Hospital. Prior to that, Rich worked for Children's Service Society as the Director of their Adoptions and Grandfamilies programs. He had also been a social worker for DCFS in Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Brigham City. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to help those he served to live good lives. He was dedicated to helping people feel loved and taken care of.
He met his soulmate, Christopher LaMont Hansen, in 2019. They were married on August 21, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They created a beautiful home together in Ogden, Utah with their beloved fur babies, Marley and Koda.
The magic he worked in the kitchen is unparalleled! He loved cooking and baking, and especially enjoyed sharing his food with everyone. Always prepared to feed an army, he wouldn't let anyone leave without to-go containers full of goodies. He is especially well known for his amazing cakes, desserts, and pastries.
He had a keen eye for decorating. He enjoyed crafting, music, and dancing like no one was watching. One of his greatest achievements was that he was nationally ranked as a long distance runner. He also had a deep love for animals and being in nature. Rich always gave 150% of himself to anyone and everyone. The more he loved you, the more presents and desserts you received. Rich is responsible for single-handedly keeping Costco, Bath & Body Works, Amazon, Disney, and J&J Nursery in business during Covid and beyond!
Rich is survived by his husband Chris; parents Robert and Wanda; and his sister Amanda (Steve) Vincent (children Rylee, Harmonee, Jaice, Landen, and Joshua). Also surviving are his in-laws: LaMont and Leslie Hansen; Kellie (Shaun) Bess (children Taylor, Hollie, and Kambri); and Lindsay (Mark) Phenes (children Hadley, Zoey, and Rylee).
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; brother Wayne Johnston; nephew D'ante Peebels; and nieces Tamara Vincent and Michelle Hansen.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the First Baptist Church for the beautiful venue; Salt Lake Men's Choir for years of happy memories; Utah Bears, CUB, and BlackBoots for their generosity and brotherhood over the years; Matrons of Mayhem for their fundraising efforts; Todd Goodsell, a good friend and the Funeral Director of Franklin County Funeral Home, for his dedicated support and compassionate service, the emergency and first response teams for their life-saving efforts, and Dan Doxey for his tremendous support over the last week. The family would also like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, positive thoughts, and memories shared of Rich.
If you have any pictures of Rich, please upload them to this page, before Friday (7/28) so they may be compiled into a slideshow to present at the services on Saturday.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 29th, 2023 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Salt Lake (777 S 1300 E Salt Lake City, UT 84102). A viewing will also be held from 11:00 AM -12:45 PM prior to the services. Rich will then be cremated, per his wishes. Those who are not able to attend in person my attend via streaming video by following this link. View Services
Because Rich's favorite color was purple, it would be a great tribute to him if his family and friends would wear purple (optional) in his memory. He would want his loved ones to dress comfortably, though.
In lieu of flowers, donations to help with funeral expenses can be sent directly to Chris Hansen through Venmo: @pianoman89. If you prefer you can make payment directly to the funeral home by following this link Donate to Funeral
Please share a favorite memory of Rich or offer condolences to the family by leaving a tribute on this page.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard, please visit our floral store.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Richard Gregory Johnston, please visit the
Tribute Fund.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/richard-johnston-obituary?id=52541676