Gary Haws Richins

Gary Haws Richins, 77, died on July 8, 2026 in American Fork, Utah following the rapid escalation of an illness he had battled for more than a year.

Gary was born to C. Grant Richins (Burley, ID) and Vivian Haws (Provo) on September 15, 1948 in Everett, WA. He was the eldest of eight siblings. Gary spent his early childhood in Idaho Falls, ID and his elementary and secondary school years in Burley, ID. He graduated from Burley High School in 1966.

Gary loved wildlife and would become an expert hunter, fisherman, guide, and competitive trap and skeet shooter. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in zoology at Brigham Young University in 1973 and had a long career as a wildlife biologist, environmental consultant and environmental manager at various companies in Cincinnati, OH, Kansas City, MO, and Utah.

He enjoyed pointing out the species and interrelationships of plants, wildlife, birds, fish, geology, and hydrology. He shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for the natural world with everyone who listened and was particularly proud that some of his scientific articles were published.

Gary met Marcia Ann West and her three children in Utah while working with Deseret Generation & Transmission (now Deseret Power) as a consultant for Burns & McDonnell in Missouri. The couple married on November 16, 1979 in the Salt Lake City temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his new family joined him in Kansas City. They moved to American Fork in 1982.

Gary was a lifelong devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding many church service positions. He was a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America. He practiced fundamental principles of love and service in all areas of his life, often observing and acting on needs unassigned. He freely shared home-grown veggies, homemade chili, fresh fish and jerky. If had snowed this winter, he'd have still been plowing his neighbors' driveways even though he was ill.

Gary was well-known for his storytelling and epic eyerolling "dad" jokes. He did the best impersonation of Wilford Brimley's oatmeal commercial and was sometimes mistaken for the actor. He was a die-hard BYU football fan. He loved his custom western hats. He made beautiful canes out of sticks he found on his adventures, giving many of them away. Gary loved a variety of music including classical, classic rock and especially Celtic. He sang at the top of his lungs regardless that he couldn't carry a tune with a handle. He loved political, crime and mystery novels. He loved his dogs. He even loved his ornery black cat, Mr Stickers, who would literally attack Gary when he sneezed.

Gary would want to acknowledge everyone who meant so much to him. Please forgive any omissions - you were all family to him: the entire Araujo family. Special thanks to Daniel who lived with Gary the last three years and was his caregiver throughout his illness. Marcia's niece, Chris. Friends Brett Wright, Marshall Willis, and Gary Heaton. All of his fishing buddies and friends at the Provo Gun Club, and his favorite restaurant server, Taylor.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, sister JoLynn, brothers Keith and Lloyd, and by his wife, Marcia.

He is survived by his brothers Reed (Gaye) of Medina, OH and Russell (Diane) of Orem, sisters Raquel (Mark) Larson of Woods Cross, and Paige (Clay) Hansen of Saratoga Springs; and children West (Cindy) Richins of Lake Forest, CA, Merrill Richins (partner, Melissa Engemann) of Provo, and Chris (Nyrie) Hardy of Orem.

Gary chose to be cremated and did not want us to make a "big deal" of his memorial. Well, he was a big deal, and all who loved him and were blessed by his life are invited to celebrate together on Saturday, August 8 at the LDS chapel, 320 North 100 East, American Fork, Utah. Doors open at 10 am. Service at 10:30. Family/friends lunch at noon.