OBITS: Standard-Examiner 13 Sep 2005; Ogden, Weber co., Utah

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Source: Standard-Examiner http://www.standard.net

Richard Peter Vellinga

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

SYRACUSE - Our dearly beloved Richard Peter Vellinga passed peacefully from
this life at his home on September 9, 2005 after a short battle with
esophageal cancer.

Richard was born the fifth of thirteen children to Clarence and Arlene Davis
Vellinga on March 11, 1947 in Ogden, Utah. He attended Ogden Schools and
graduated from Ogden High School in 1965 and Weber State College in 1972. He
was a gifted student in math, science, and art. He spent his teenage summers
working at Smith's Ranch in Ruby Valley, Nevada and carried many fond memories
of his adventures there. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints and had a strong testimony throughout his life, manifested
not only by his service in the Church, but even more by his loving attitude
and constant service to all that he met. He was truly a man without guile and
loved everyone unconditionally.

He served a mission in Samoa from 1966-1968 and treasured his experiences
there. On December 23, 1973 he married Guenn Adare Richardson in the Logan
Temple. They had four children who became the center of his life. They lived
in Corrine, Lakeshore and Santaquin. They were later divorced. On November
23, 1999 he married Elaine McDowell Ottley and also dearly loved her six
children. Richard worked at Thiokol Corporation from 1974 to 1978 and then
spent the rest of his life building and remodeling for others. He and his
brothers formed Vellinga Brothers Construction and he later owned Vel-built
Construction in Utah County and Richard Vellinga Enterprises in Davis County.
Many friends and loved ones treasure the beautiful handiwork that he produced
for them in the construction of their homes. He recently built a beautiful
home for his wife and family, which has greatly blessed their lives.

Richard's greatest possessions were his family including his wife and
children, parents, brothers and sisters and many extended family members. He
had a great reverence and love for all that God created. He was a man living
in the world but not of the world. We will miss so much his big hugs and warm
personality. He was a mighty oak in our lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by an older brother, Johnny.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine, and his children, Adrian, Jessica, Richard
Peter (Sumer), Mary Guenn Vellinga, and Angela, Darren (Tina), Ryan (Aisa),
Emily (Dale) Barry, David, and Ashley Ottley, and his grandchildren, Madison,
Ike, Jet, Jadyn, Richard Scott, David and Avery. He is also survived by
brothers and sisters Clarence (Annette), Clifford (Kathy), Joyce (Richard)
Lindsley, Roy (Linda), Michael (Pam), Lynn (Sandy), Karen (Craig) Shurtleff,
Bruce (Val), Janette (Reid) Peterson, Mary (Don) Belnap, and Ross (Beth)
Vellinga.