Richard M Hartley

Richard M Hartley passed away peacefully on April 3rd, 2026, just as he would have wanted: at home, with his sweetheart Pamela by his side. He was 77.

Born in Butte, Montana on February 18, 1949 to Charles Alton Hartley II and Norma Miner Hartley, Richard grew up in a loving busy family of 5 boys. His mother raised him steadily in the Gospel of Christ, and his father worked 6 days a week for the Southern Pacific Railroad. After moving to San Lorenzo, California, his youth was spent climbing trees, playing marbles, collecting stamps, discovering oil painting, delivering newspapers and boy scouting. As a teen he excelled at public speaking, ran track, became an Eagle Scout, and served as Student Body President, graduating from Arroyo High School in 1967.

Next came a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Alaska British Columbia mission from 1968-1970. His love for the Savior deepened, he learned many valuable management skills, and spent his last and favorite six months getting to see the vast expanse of Canada and Alaska putting up and taking down a religious art display throughout 38 cities. In 2022, 53 years later, he returned to those same cities to again see, feel and breathe the fresh Alaskan air and chase down those beautiful memories of years spent in the frozen northland.

College at BYU included a Bachelor's degree in Art and Design, a stint on the Ballroom Dance Team, student government, and creative dating on the road-center island that caused a stir with police. Pam got her arms around him in a skit planning meeting, and he thought he couldn’t let that long blonde hair get away. They married in the Manti, Utah Temple on Nov 16, 1974. Together in Orem, Utah, they raised 5 sons and one daughter – Clark, Brad, Sharman, Cameron, Marshall and Steven – through years of happy, creative chaos. Richard worked diligently to provide for his family as a graphic designer, business consultant and in his favorite professional role as a teacher. He loved making a difference in the lives of his business students at BYU and UVU, as well as his masters degree students at the University of Phoenix.

Richard magnified his many church callings as Bishop, Young Men's leader, Instructor and Stake High Councilor. The assignment that cemented his legendary status was Scoutmaster, spending a decade teaching boys in the great outdoors what it takes to become men. He was an expert at knots, camping, breakfast-making and helping young men gain skills and confidence. His campfire stories were unrivaled. Highlights include Camp New Fork (Wyoming), Klondike Derby, Survival Campouts and Ray Ivie’s incredible raft design on Lake Powell following the likes of Tom Sawyer.

Retirement? No! His days were filled with oil painting, tutoring first graders at the nearby elementary school, learning German, and being highly involved as “Papa” in the lives of his grandchildren. Truly a Hometown Hero, he got to ride and wave on the Layton City float in the 4th of July parade.

Rich survived a heart attack at age 50, and like a “cat with nine lives”, he bounced back repeatedly, always keeping a strong will and a cheerful demeanor, with goals aplenty. He was a loving father and steady husband - and will be missed by many. He leaves behind generations of Dudley Do-Right and Horsefeathers stories, countless hugs, and many treasured oil paintings…he worked and painted until he couldn’t – and loved deeply to the very end.

He is preceded in death by his father Charles Alton Hartley II, his mother Norma Miner Hartley, brothers Charles Alton Hartley III, Bryan Hartley and William G. Hartley as well as sisters Raylene Hartley and Mary Hartley. These dear ones died so soon there must be a grand reunion going on now!

Rich is survived by his devoted sweetheart Pamela, six children and their spouses and 20 delightful grandchildren. Other family include sisters-in-law Jeannie Wood Hartley, Susan Roberts Hartley, Linda Perry Hartley, and his dear brother James E. Hartley and wife Linda Beth (Frye) Hartley