O. Richard Eskelsen Obituary (1919 - 2015)

Oscar Richard Eskelson passed away of causes incident to age on January 15, 2015. He was 95 years old. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He was always meticulous and well organized. He always had a quick wit, dry sense of humor, sweet and gentle, and a great big heart. Dick was born April 26, 1919 in Roosevelt, Utah to Lita Merrill and Farley Eskelson. Dick graduated from East High School in 1936. He served an LDS Mission to Eastern Canadian Mission. He attended New York University in New York City. He met LaRene Fishburn and was married in New York City on November 29, 1942. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Dick and LaRene have been married for 72 great years. Dick completed a career with UNISYS retiring in 1981. Even though he suffered from polio since age 5 he always had a passion for tennis. He won every major tennis championship for his age bracket in the state of Utah up until he was 75. He also won the 75 and over national doubles championship at the Senior Games in St. George. His early work included being the radio announcer for the old Salt Lake Bees, as well as the University of Utah football and basketball games. His base voice was always impressive on the radio before television. He also loved to watch tennis, football, and basketball from professional sports down to his son and grandsons and granddaughters. Dick was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served in numerous callings. Dick and LaRene enjoyed spending winters in St. George for many years. He is survived by his wife, LaRene; a son, Jeff; and a daughter, Diane Wood (Michael); 10 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Toni Eskelson Larson (Craig); and son, Paul. He is also preceded in death by siblings, Y. D. Eskelson and Mary Jane Bevan. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 19, 2015, at 12:00 Noon at the Millcreek 2nd Ward, 4220 So. Jeannine Dr, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107, where friends may call from 10:00–11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 3401 So. Highland Dr, Salt Lake City. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary 4760 South State Street Murray, UT