Richard Earl Jensen, Jr

April 20, 1951 ~

August 16, 2022

Salt Lake City, Utah—Richard was 71 years old when he passed away in a motorcycle accident on Trappers Loop Road near Ogden Valley.

Richard is survived by his mother Margie Ruth Jensen, his brother Robert L Jensen, his sister Danielle (Joel) Paterson, his nephews, Sage and Joshua Paterson and his niece Sierra Paterson.

Richard was an individualist, a vibrant, colorful man who lived a wild and crazy life. Richard had a twinkle in his eye and sported a handlebar mustache. His shocking and outrageous attire could dazzle everyone at the symphony or Home Depot.

Richard earned a bachelor degree in chemistry and a masters degree in fuels engineering from the University of Utah. His work in the aerospace industry with companies such as GE, McDonald Douglas, Boeing and Hawker De Havilland took him to many interesting places, including Australia, South Korea, Japan and Malaysia. He also worked and lived in California, New Mexico, Mississippi and South Carolina, just to name a few.

Richard lived a thrilling and action-packed life. He scuba dived, skydived, skied fast, gelande jumped, cliff jumped, backcountry skied, climbed peaks, paraglided and rode a Harley Davidson. His adventures took him flying in Mexico and the Himalaya, diving along the Great Barrier Reef, trekking in Peru and he honeymooned in Tahiti.

Richard was a complex fellow, he wore many hats (literally), engineer, artist and was eccentric on many levels. Flowers and plants were a passion for Richard. He painted and grew them, his yard was an explosion of life and color! He loved Halloween, to dress up, dance, cook, entertain, listen to latin music and go to the symphony in his tuxedo. He loved camping, hiking and skiing in wild places. Richard was an advocate for wilderness. Richard was a loving, sentimental man and was devoted to family and friends.

We will miss how Richard could make us laugh, his Kukui nut necklace, lycra tights and motorcycle boots. And, most of all we will miss his mischievous smile.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Save our Canyons. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at

Our Lady of the Snows, Alta, UT

Sunday, October 23, 2022

2:00 pm to 5:00 pm