Richard Wesley Burningham, 83

Richard Wesley Burningham, 83, passed away peacefully Dec. 1, 2017, in Kalispell.

Richard Burningham was born June 5, 1932, in Ogden, Utah, to his parents John Alfred Burningham and Florence Lemmon.

He was sealed and married to his eternal companion, Karon Emma Quist, on March 21, 1958, in the Salt Lake Temple.

Richard grew up in Salt Lake City (Holladay), going to school with his childhood sweetheart. He received his education at Granite High School and Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in business.

While raising five children in Salt Lake City he quickly worked his way up in the JCPenney Company. In 1973 he transferred to Montana to manage Fashion Fabrics stores all over the state and decided Kalispell was the best place to raise his family. Shortly thereafter, he opened his own retail store, “Mr. B’s Kiddie Shop,” which was later renamed “Kid Stop.” He retired in 1993.

Richard was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was very active and served in numerous positions — teacher, bishop, stake presidency, Scouting popcorn colonel, family history and temple service. He also served one two-year full-time mission in Montana and then three service missions with his wife in Toronto and New York.

Many lives were touched by his big heart and smile and the kindness he showed to all those he came in contact with.

He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and exploring this beautiful world he lived in.

He is survived by children, David R. Burningham, Steven K. Burningham, Renae Hyer, Eileen Bartlett and Mark Q. Burningham; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Burningham and Florence Lemmon Burningham; and his loving spouse, Karon Emma Quist Burningham.

A viewing will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1380 Whitefish Stage Road, in Kalispell. A funeral will follow at 10 a.m. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Elysian Gardens Cemetery, 1075 E. 4580 S. in Salt Lake City.

In lieu of flowers, please support your favorite charity, church or other good cause.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Burningham family.