William Johnson Rich died on January 4, 2015, at Logan Regional Hospital. He was born on August 26, 1927, in Paris, to Clarence and Theresa Rich.

He graduated from Emerson Elementary and Fielding High School. He suffered mishaps over the course of his youth including an arm broken three times.

He grew up on a family ranch and experienced the rigors of farm work during difficult times. He milked cows by the age of eight and by age ten he worked in the hayfield with a team of horses. He learned responsibility early and assisted the family in a variety of ways.

He married Dixie Pope on May 21, 1947, in the Idaho Falls Temple. He is survived by his wife (Dixie) and children Brad (Erika) and Kirk (Debra). He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jill Burgoyne (and husband Hal), and his sister, Margaret Gertsch. He is survived by one sister, Jean Hart. He has five grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

He was drafted into the military in 1946 and served for more than a year with the occupational forces in Japan. He returned to the family farm for a short time and then worked most of his life in the mining and phosphate industry as a mechanic, electrician, and supervisor with Stauffer Chemical Company.

He eventually returned to the family farm during his retirement years. He also served as the water-master for the West Fork Irrigation Company.

He was a natural craftsman with an attitude of perfection in all that he did. In later years he occupied his time with a wood lathe and other shop projects. He struggled with ongoing health issues but complained little and accomplished much.

William filled a variety of LDS church callings which included bishop, high council member, and numerous teaching and leadership positions. His life of service and outgoing style was enjoyed by many.

Much of his later years were spent mentoring his grandsons and teaching them the art of fishing and trap shooting. He became their best friend and they proudly followed him about.

Funeral services were held on September 9, with internment in the Paris cemetery.