Steven Budd Rich

Steve was born November 2, 1953 in Afton, Wyoming to Lora Jean Walton and Budd Rich.  Surrounded by family, he passed from this world December 31, 2018 in the log home he built himself, overlooking the valley that he loved after a hard-fought, self-disciplined battle with cancer.

At the age of three, his family moved to Salt Lake City.  Although he lived in Salt Lake, he still spent most every summer in Star Valley working on the family farm with his grandparents, Elmo and Bertie Rich, whom he loved dearly. 

At the age of 21, Steve met the love of his life, Dorlene Ricks, and they were married in 1975.  Together they had 3 children; Matthew Budd (Buddy), Douglas Steven, and Chelsie Dee.

Steve attended school in Salt Lake City, Utah. Following High School, he completed Automotive Technology training in Phoenix, AZ.  He began his career working on fork lifts at Western Lift Trucks.  He later accepted a position as Maintenance Supervisor at Smith’s Food and Drug’s non-foods division.  After 18 years of service, he left Smith’s to return to Star Valley where he was hired as the Maintenance Director for Lincoln County School District #2. 

During his tenure he was responsible for maintaining all the district buildings from Cokeville to Etna, as well as overseeing the construction of the new Etna, Thayne, and Afton Elementary Schools, and the new Administration Building.  Steve took great pride in his work and ensured that everything was done to the highest standard.  If Steve was willing to put his name on it, you knew it was done correctly and would stand the test of time. Steve retired from LCSD#2 in 2017 with 17 years of dedicated service. 

Steve enjoyed making memories with his family.  Some of their family adventures included: snowmobiling, fishing, boating, camping, hunting, golfing, rebuilding cars, and helping his children with their various projects.  Above all else, Steve took pleasure in providing service to others.  You could often find him building fences, plowing snow, fixing cars, repairing homes or lending a helping hand wherever it was needed.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother Jean Rich, brother Todd Rich, sister Lisa Rich, father and mother-in-law Des and Dora Ricks, brother-in-law and lifelong friend Kim Smith, and nephew Shane Fern.

Steve is survived by his wife of 43 years Dorlene, sons Matthew (Buddy) and Douglas Rich (Afton, WY), daughter Chelsie Rich (Taylorsville, UT), father Budd Rich, sisters Tanna (Dave) Williford and Crystal (Randy) Burgess (Afton, WY), sister Jewel Smith (Herriman, UT), and brother Jody (Mandy) Rich (Hurricane, UT).