Rich was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on April 15, 1939, the year WWII began. He was the 6th out of 10 children. He attended Twin Falls schools until 1957 when he left for Brigham Young University (BYU) and then the Ohio/Indiana mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1964 he married “the love of his life,” Marilee June Forsha. They raised a beautiful and loving family over their 55 years together, ultimately bringing 5 children to this earth, 20 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Rich’s most important accomplishment of his life was his marriage to Marilee. He was her rock, caring tirelessly for her throughout her life and the example of their deep love remains an example to all who knew them. Her passing in late 2019 was heartbreaking, but as he did in so many other instances of his life, he turned his grief into purpose and service. He became acquainted with veteran families who had lost spouses, parents, etc. in active duty.

Rich is survived by four of his 5 children; Angela Petersen (Clint), David (Courteney), Todd (Brooke), and Brandon (Jenny), as well as 20 beloved grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 of his siblings; Mary Jane Johnson (Jim) and Ted Crandall (Janice). Rich was preceded in death by his dear parents, Martin Oscar and Ella Crandall, his sweetheart Marilee, his first-born son Brett (Angelique), and seven of his ten siblings; Robert (Bob), Lentz, Maureen, Geraldine, LaWana, Ellis, and Elwin.

A viewing will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home ­ 495 State St. Orem. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. (prior viewing from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ­ 1315 East 900 South, Provo. For full life story and a livestream video link please visit www.sundbergolpinmortuary.com