Richard Lee Strain

Richard Lee Strain, 69, of Snowflake, Arizona, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024, leaving some worn boots that will never be filled. This old cowboy was born on October 2, 1954, in Pocatello, Idaho, and is the youngest son of Edgar Strain and Myrtle Leona Ehlers Strain. He lived in Highland, Utah, before moving with his family to Lehi, Utah, where he graduated from American Fork High School in 1972.

He met Barbara McMillan in 1976 and they were later married on April 29,1977 in Lehi, Utah. They raised their three children in American Fork, Utah. Rick always went above and beyond to provide for his family, he worked for Geneva Steel for 29.5 years until the shutdown. In 2002, Rick and Barbara relocated to Snowflake, Arizona, where he worked for Abitibi Consolidated for 9 years and CapStone Copper Mine until he retired in 2021. When asked what he did, his response was always the same, “Jack of all trades, Master of none”. Along his path, he made many great friendships, shared many great laughs, and had many amazing stories to share. 

Rick had a huge heart that was open to all. Anyone who visited him knew he would certainly talk your ear off for hours, but this meant you showed up as a friend and left as family. He had a great love for music, mountains, wildlife, hunting, old cars, riding his Harley, and collecting Jack Daniels memorabilia. 

Rick had a love of animals (not really, just tolerated them for Barbara) and found relaxation in beautifying his yard. He tinkered for hours, whether it be on the tractor, in the shop, or just going for walks to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Over 17 years, he planted 137 trees, giving each a unique name. His yard was his pride.

Rick is survived by his wife, Barbara Strain; His children; Travis Strain, Trudy (Bryce) Nielsen, and Jared (Catherine) Strain; His grandchildren; Braxton Strain, Brooklyn Nielsen, Taylor Strain, Shelby Strain, Dominik Lobermeier, Alexis (Tyler) Morgan, Emma Strain, and Addison Strain; His great- grandchildren; Dakotah Strain, Bentley Strain, Hudson Adams, and Amiyah Morgan; His siblings Edgar (Peggy) Strain, Danny (Norma) Strain, and Christine Strain; and a beloved aunt, Bonnie Ehlers, and many extended family members.

Rick was preceded in death by his grandson Dayton Nielsen, his uncle, Buzz Ehlers, and his parents, Edgar Strain and Myrtle Leona Ehlers Strain.

A viewing will be held at Walker Mortuary, 187 S. Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah, on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. A private graveside service for family will follow at the Spanish Fork Cemetery, where Rick will be laid to rest near his grandson.

A celebration of life will be held at the Strain residence in Snowflake, Arizona, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, starting at 12:00 pm. where you are invited to stay as long as you like, share stories, laugh, and smile in memory of Rick.

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