Gary Donn Richins

Gary Donn Richins was born May 7, 1942, to Arnold Leroy Richins and Julia Jane Rogers in Salt Lake City. He passed away on October 23, 2026. He was the oldest of three children, followed by his surviving brother, Alan (Fran) Richins, and his late sister, Kimberlee (Richard) Taylor.

While attending Bryant Junior High, Gary learned to play the saxophone and played in every band he could. At East High School, he was in the dance, jazz, and marching bands. His love of music extended to a wide variety of genres, musical films, and live theater, with Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and White Christmas among his favorites. All three of his children played musical instruments, and Gary attended their concerts and recitals whenever his work schedule allowed.

Gary married Ann Marie Pearson in November 1964. They had three children: Quinn, Ginger, and Belinda, before divorcing in 1986. Gary married Inge Beers in February 2001.

After leaving school, Gary served in the Navy and worked as a civil servant at Hill Air Force Base. He worked part-time at several other companies over the years, including Coca-Cola, the University of Utah, M3, and OshKosh AeroTech.

Gary loved fast cars and fast boats. He was always rebuilding or tinkering with some kind of motor. He loved an ice-cold Coke, burgers with fries, and ice cream in any form. He loved deer hunting in Daniel’s Canyon, fishing the Salt River and traveling to Seattle to see his buddy Mitch.

Gary is survived by his sweet wife, Inge; his children, Quinn Richins, Ginger McLeod (Derek), and Belinda Conant (Brian Anderson); and Inge’s children, Tania Montgomery (Roger) and Tim Beers (Stephanie). He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Here’s to you, Dad! We raise a Coke in your honor. May the music always be good, the engines always purr, the fish always bite, and the Coke have a little rum.