John Riding

April 28, 1966 — February 18, 2023

John Patrick (JP) Riding, 56, of Florence, Arizona, left this life on February 18, 2023 with his wife at his side. John was born April 28, 1966 in Provo, Utah, to John Aurelius and Jean Harding Riding. John fought the incurable, cruel and rare disease of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) for over a decade. John had a wonderful childhood in Mapleton, Utah, earned his Eagle Scout and attended Springville High School. He then attended Utah State University and continued on to serve a mission for the LDS Church in Virginia. John’s true passion was carpentry and finish work. He held a general contractors license and for many years owned a very successful finish carpentry business. His skill stood out and he won several awards from the Utah County Home Builders Association. John had a real talent for beautifully building anything. His first marriage brought two beautiful children that he cherished. In 1998 he met his wife Wendy and they married August 14, 2003 in Midway, Utah. He loved his step children very much as if they were his own. John loved geology, power tools, ghost towns, treasure hunting, fireworks, camping, Halloween, cruises, the beach, the mountains of Utah, 70s soft rock music, tank tops, driving, Arizona heat and humor. He is survived by his wife Wendy (Walts Slade Riding); children Tyson (Michelle) Riding, Taylor (Loi) Masina, Haydn (Kimberly) Slade, Josie Sue Slade, Oliver Slade; grandchildren Brody, Madelyn, Nova, Marcee; sister Susan, brothers David and Steven. A Celebration of John’s life will be held in Utah, date and time TBD. To learn more about Frontotemporal Dementia, please visit theaftd.org. Thank you to Barrow Neurological Institute and Hospice of the Valley and the Phoenix Gardiner Home inpatient care for the sometimes challenging and changing care that John needed. “I wonder what you’re doing, imagine where you are; There’s oceans in between us, but that’s not very far.” We love you.