More detail on this person: Richard Wight Burt, 88, beloved patriarch, passed away on October 20,
2012, attended by his children. Richard was born in Bear River City, Utah on July 12, 1924 to
Reginald Nelson Burt and Mary Amelia Wight. He is survived by one brother, Clinton (Louise) Burt.
His sisters and brothers who predeceased him are, Ruth (Gordon) Miner, Albert (Betty), Ted (Marj),
Harold (Rae), and Barbara (Lee) Hawkes.
Richard grew up on the family farm in Bear River City, Box Elder County, Utah a member of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In 1943 He joined the Army Air Corps, was trained and deployed
to the European theater (Italy) as a crewman in a B-24 Bomber Group. His bomber was shot down over
Yugoslavia on his fourth mission, where he was captured by the Germans and spent the rest of the war
as a POW.
Returning from the war he married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Deem, on December 4, 1945 in
the Logan LDS Temple. Richard and Evelyn had three children, Terese (Errol) Fife, Neil (Vicki) and
Russell (Deb). They have 14 grandchildren, one deceased (Nathan), 19 great-grandchildren with one
more on the way.
Richard learned early how to work hard; he also learned he did not want to be a farmer. He had
always dreamed of flying. He started as a certified aircraft mechanic, learned how to fly and rose
to the rank of Major in the Civil Air Patrol. He worked in Army Aviation as a mechanic; received
training both as a fixed wing and rotary wing (helicopter) pilot. In 1968 he was called up to serve
in the conflict in Viet Nam, returning in 1969. He ended his full time career as the Shop Foreman
(40th INF MECH, Aviation CO), Chief Test Pilot, a rank of CW4 and as an Army Master Aviator.
After his retirement he built the home that he and Evelyn had designed. They served 4 full time
missions for the LDS church; Nauvoo Illinois, Philippines Micronesia Area (all 14 missions), New
York City (Manhattan Family History Center), and Wisconsin Milwaukee (Family History). Between
missions he served as an LDS Bishop. He then continued to serve as a part time worker in the Salt
Lake City Family History Center. He became his family's historian authoring numerous books on his
ancestors and himself. He also found time to build furniture for Evelyn.
Because of poor health they decided to sell their home and move to an assisted living facility where
last month Evelyn predeceased him.
Funeral services will be held under the direction of Bishop Ty Jeppesen of the Centerville 5th Ward.
The funeral will be at the Centerville 1st Ward, 160 South 300 East, Centerville, Utah at 11:00am
Saturday, October 27, 2012. Viewing held Friday evening at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main,
Bountiful, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. There will also be a viewing 9:45am - 10:45am Saturday morning at
the church prior to services. Interment will be at the Brigham City Cemetery. Online guest book at
www.russonmortuary.com.
Published in Salt Lake Tribune on October 24, 2012
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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