Richard Orville Burt passed away in the arms of his dear wife, Marie, on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at his home in Peoria, Arizona. He was 85 years old. Richard was born on March 17, 1934, in Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, Calif. to his parents, the late Raleigh Orville and Mabel Eugena (Hill) Burt.

He honorably served in the United States Navy during the Korean War from August 1951 to March 1955. He led a successful career as a communications engineer, working for Utah Power and Light Company (12 years in Preston, Idaho) and Arizona Public Service Co. (20 years in Arizona). In his spare time he enjoyed gardening, carpentry, working on family history and serving the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He faithfully served the Church as a Home teacher, minister, Sunday School teacher, Nursery worker, Bishopric, High councilman, twice as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America and many more. He and Marie served an 18-month mission for the Church in North Carolina, followed by Temple work in the Mesa, Arizona Temple for two years.

Richard married Marie Sowards, his “Eternal Companion,” on April 7, 1957. Then, the following year on Aug. 29, 1958, their marriage was solemnized, for time and all eternity, as they were sealed to each other in the Salt Lake City Temple. He was a loving father to nine children and their spouses. As his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born, his love was magnified 10-fold.

Richard will be remembered by his family and friends for his love, his testimony of Jesus Christ, his laughter, sense of humor, and by the constant positive attitude that he always possessed. His greatest joy in this life was his family, who will deeply mourn his passing until they are all reunited in the eternities.

Richard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marie Burt, of Peoria, Ariz.; daughter-in-law, April Burt; children, Scott (Sherri) Burt, Duane (Tammie) Burt, John (Karen) Burt, Mark (Shirlene) Burt, Christopher (Carolyn) Burt, Raymond (Korilyn) Burt, Jennifer (Chris) Collins and Dorothy (Greg) Nielsen; his three brothers, Blaine Burt of South Fork, Colo., Nolen Burt of Colorado Springs, Colo. and John Burt of Alamosa, Colo.; his 54 grandchildren; and 63 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Richard Gregory Burt.

A funeral service was held at the Jomax Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Peoria, Ariz. The concluding service and interment with military honors took place Monday, April 1, 2019 at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Ariz.

Memorial contributions in his name, to the General Missionary fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or to the charity of your choice have been suggested by his family.

The Burt Family is thankful for all of the expressions of sympathy they have received during this difficult time and are especially grateful for the prayers offered up on their behalf. They find their peace and comfort in knowing that, “Families Are Forever.”