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Richard Arthur Handsaker

Richard A. Handsaker

Richard A. Handsaker (Dick) passed away on April 29, 2010 in Ogden, Utah. Richard was born on August 12, 1921 in Nevada, Iowa to Charles W. Handsaker and Nona H. Klump. Dick had a talent for music and won the State Vocal Championship during his senior year in High School. The family moved to Utah in 1939 right after Dick’s high school graduation. In 1941 he went to work at Hill Field Air Force Base as a technical mechanic. Dick then joined the Air Force and served in WWII. He was honorably discharged and returned to work at Hill AFB. He married Effie Mae Campbell (Mae) on August 22, 1947. He had two daughters and then the Korean War broke out and Dick re-enlisted. When he was once again honorably discharged, he again returned to work at Hill AFB—eventually becoming a Liaison Officer. He traveled many times oversees to ensure the Air Force planes were in excellent condition. He became the proud father of two more children, sons. He not only was very gifted musically, playing his ukulele around campfires for his friends and family, he also was an amazing dancer. He taught his children to jitterbug and cut a rug with grace. He retired from Hill AFB in 1976. Dick was a 3rd degree Master Mason with the Unity Lodge #18. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for many years. He also soloed and sang duets. Effie Mae passed away in 1983. His children are: Dianne (Wayne) Handsaker-Smith, Greenwood, MI, Patty (Don) Uchida, Ogden, UT, Rick (Halina) Handsaker, Olathe, KS, and Paul (Daphne) Handsaker, College Station, TX. Dick later met a very elegant lady whom became his dearest friend, Dorothy Mitchell. They spent 20 wonderful years together. Dorothy passed in 2003. She had 3 sons who Dick always considered his own: Wayne Andriotti, Ross Kelson MD, and Lance Kelson. Dick is survived by his 4 children, one brother, Fred E. Handsaker, 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and many others who loved him and honored him dearly. Richard is preceded in death by his two angels, his wonderful wife Mae and his Sweetie Dorothy, two brothers, Bill and Chick, and one sister, Laura Jane Sherman. Services will be held Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 11:00 am at Leavitt’s Mortuary, 836 36th St., Ogden with Reverend Alane Currier Griggs officiating. Friends and family may visit the mortuary on Friday, May 7, 2010 from 6-8pm and one hour prior to services. Interment will be at the Meadow View Cemetery in Eden, Utah approximately 1 hour following the services. Masonic graveside services will be held as well as military honors.

"The family wishes to express their appreciation to Applegate Hospice and Crestwood Care Center as well as to Ruby Tuchyner for all the love and attention they gave to Richard."

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