Richard Alvord

Richard Henry Alvord, loving husband, father, brother and friend passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on October 10, 2022 in American Fork, Utah. He was 82 years old.

Richard was born on May 14, 1940 in Los Angeles, California at White Memorial Hospital. He was very proud of his "Born in LA" heritage. He was born to Ralph Jensen Alvord and Roma Chamberlain.

Richard spent his childhood in and around Los Angeles. He moved to San Bernardino County when he was a teenager. He attended Chaffey High School and Chaffey Junior College and got his BS at Cal Poly Pomona College.

He served a mission in the Central British Mission from 1960-1962, serving in England and Wales. He later served a mission with his wife, Loretta in Madrid Spain from 2007-2008.

He served in the California Army National Guard from 1963-1969. The only action he saw was the Los Angeles Watts Riot. He served as the headquarters Radio Operator.
He met his sweetheart Loretta Wilkins at a M-Men and Gleaner (LDS young adult group) activity in the fall of 1963. They were married April 18, 1964 in the Los Angeles Temple. He inherited a sweet baby boy with their marriage. They later had 2 more boys and 2 girls. They lived in Ontario, California and moved to Simi Valley, California in 1974. Upon retirement he and Loretta moved to American Fork, Utah in 2004.

He worked as an industrial engineer. His fascination with all things mechanical led to a long and varied career in the aerospace industry. Some of the fondest memories of his children and grandchildren were of building and creating along side Grandpa.
He was a loving father who enjoyed his boys and adored his red headed girls. The time he spent with his family laughing, playing, telling stories and doing service left a lasting legacy. His passion for family history instilled a desire in his children to find and connect with their past.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Michael. He is survived by his wife, Loretta and his children Timothy (Midori), Tamarah Cummings (Jack), James (Mandi), Laura and Ben. He is also survived in death by 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and his brother Jon, his sister Valana Durham (Dick) and his sister Debi Werner (Ben).

Memorial Services will be held on October 22, 2022 at 11 AM at the LDS chapel at 1320 W 3540 N, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Please come and share memories with the family from 10 until 10:45 AM in the Relief Society Room.