Richard Baker Sharp

Richard Baker Sharp, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on May 7, 2026, at the age of 80, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease after a long and courageous battle.

Richard was born on June 5, 1945, in Murray, Utah, to Dean and Vauna Sharp. He was raised and educated in the Midvale area, where he developed the enduring values of faith, hard work, service, and devotion to family that guided his life.

The story of how Richard and Margo met became a treasured part of family history, often shared with laughter and affection. Though they were sometimes shy to admit it, they would tell of meeting while separately “cruising State Street” with friends on a summer evening in Salt Lake County. From the time they began dating, they were rarely apart.

On April 14, 1967, Richard married the love of his life, Margo, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where they were sealed for time and all eternity. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, service, and enduring love. Their marriage was an example to all who knew them. To see Richard and Margo together was to witness genuine devotion, kindness, and partnership. After more than 60 years together, they were separated only briefly following Margo’s passing in 2022.

To support his young family, Richard worked for many years at Cream-O-Weber Dairy in Salt Lake County. During that time, he also served honorably in the National Guard from 1966 to 1972. Later, he joined the family masonry business founded by his father, working alongside several of his brothers, including Leonard and Kent. Richard eventually returned to Cream-O-Weber Dairy, where he completed his career and secured the retirement he had long looked forward to.

In total, Richard dedicated 31 years of faithful service to Cream-O-Weber Dairy before retiring in 2010, allowing him to spend more time with the family he cherished so deeply.

Richard was a devoted father to his three daughters: Debbie, Lisa, and Teresa. Teresa, who was severely disabled from birth, passed away at the tender age of seven. Richard’s love for Teresa, as well as for Debbie and Lisa, remained constant throughout his life. He spoke of Teresa often, as she was never far from the hearts and daily thoughts of both Richard and Margo.

Through the families of Debbie and Lisa, Richard and Margo were later blessed with nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who became the joy of his later years. He treasured time spent with family; whether four-wheeling in the mountains, target shooting, enjoying long games of Uno filled with laughter, or simply being together.

Throughout his adult life, Richard served faithfully in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including in the High Priests and Elders quorum presidencies, the Sunday School presidency, as Executive Secretary, and as a Seventy for nine years. He served quietly and diligently, showing sincere love and care for those around him.

For more than 30 years, Richard was a devoted and beloved member of his ward family in Sandy. Although he later relocated because of health concerns, Sandy always remained home in his heart. It was there that he and Margo raised their family, built lifelong friendships, and created countless treasured memories.

On March 26, 2022, Richard lost his eternal companion and sweetheart, Margo, following her courageous battle with cancer. Throughout her illness, Richard cared for her with unwavering love and devotion. Those closest to him knew that when Margo passed, the greatest part of Richard’s heart went with her. Though he continued on for a time, his deepest desire was to one day be reunited with her.

After Margo’s passing, one of Richard’s sons-in-law observed something especially meaningful: Richard rarely spoke of himself as “I.” Instead, he continued to say “we” when referring to himself, because in his heart he and Margo were never truly separated. His love for her remained present in nearly every thought and conversation. To those who knew him best, it seemed that much of Richard left this world when Margo did, and he longed for the day they would be together again.

In the final year of his life, Richard’s most treasured accomplishment was creating a tribute book dedicated to the love of his life, Margo. The book contains heartfelt reflections, cherished family photographs, and treasured memories contributed by Richard, his children, grandchildren, and other close family members.

Richard will be remembered for his gentle heart, unwavering faith, kindness, quiet sense of humor, steady example, and deep love for his family. To those who knew him best, he was more than a husband, father, or grandfather. He was a mentor, a trusted friend, and a source of strength and comfort.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Vauna Sharp; his brother, Ronald Sharp; his beloved wife, Margo; his daughter, Teresa; his grandson, Austin; his sister-in-law, Sharon Patton; and his brother-in-law, Ronald B. Anderson, all of whom Richard considered immediate family.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Debbie (Tyler) and Lisa (Brook); his grandchildren, Brandon (Lexie), Cortney (Jesse), Cody, McKell (Damon), Laci, Preston, Kolton, and Kaden; and his two great-grandchildren, Sophie and Charlotte. He is also survived by his brothers, Jerry Sharp (Sharon, deceased), Leonard Sharp (Glenda, deceased), and Kent Sharp (Myra); his sisters, Carolyn Sharp and Sherrie Van Roosendaal (Garth); and his brother-in-law, Leroy Anderson (Dianne).

One granddaughter recently shared, “Thank you for teaching me what true love looks like, what a successful marriage looks like, and what compassion for others looks like.” Another granddaughter remembered, “My grandpa was always serving—whether it was his family, friends, or ward family. His family was everything to him.” His sister lovingly wrote, “He was truly a wonderful brother. I’m happy for him to be free from pain, but I am also going to miss him.” Another son-in-law reflected, “Though most of the world didn’t know him, he was much of the world to us.”

Though his family deeply mourns his passing, they find comfort in their faith that Richard has been reunited with his beloved Margo, along with his daughter, Teresa; his grandson, Austin; and many cherished loved ones and dear friends who preceded him. The family has shared that they wish they could have witnessed that long-awaited and joyful reunion.

Richard will be dearly missed until the day his family is reunited with him again. In his final years, he expressed his wish for funeral services to be held in Sandy, the place he always considered home.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1223 E. 7800 South, Midvale, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with funeral services to follow at 11:30 a.m.

Funeral services will also be live-streamed. If you desire to attend virtually, please text 801-688-8741 for the link.

Interment, where Richard will be laid to rest beside his beloved Margo, will take place at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 E. Bengal Blvd., Salt Lake City, Utah 84121.