Richard Roy Harrington

Richard Roy Harrington, 83, passed away on November 2, 2026, in Clinton, Utah.

Richard was born on May 3, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to LeRoy C. and May Harrington. The youngest of three children, he grew up in Springville, Utah, where his family had deep roots dating back to 1862, when his great-grandfather, Jonathan Harrington, crossed the plains with his mother.

Richard’s childhood was one of modest means, hard work, and adventure. The family’s early home had no indoor plumbing, and the children took turns bathing in a galvanized tub filled with water heated on the kitchen stove. Looking back, Richard remembered those years fondly, never feeling that his family lacked anything important.

From an early age, Richard loved horses, ranching, and the outdoors. As a teenager, he spent summers working on his uncle’s cattle ranch in Montana and dreamed of becoming a cattle rancher. Although his life eventually took a different direction, his love of the West and its wide-open spaces remained a defining part of who he was.

After graduating from Springville High School, Richard attended Brigham Young University. He interrupted his studies to serve a mission in Brazil for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon returning, he continued his education while teaching Portuguese at the Language Training Center and working summers in construction and as a tour bus driver in Yellowstone National Park.

Originally considering a career in forestry, Richard eventually developed an interest in government, politics, and the law. He earned his law degree from the University of Utah in 1970 and began his legal career as a trial attorney for the Internal Revenue Service, working in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

In 1973, Richard returned to Utah County and established his private law practice in Provo, where he continued practicing law for many years.

Richard married Kristeen in 1974, and they had four daughters: Cami, Remi, Lani, and Brindi, who grew up in Covered Bridge Canyon near Springville.

Richard was a gifted storyteller with a love of adventure and a remarkable variety of interests. He provided his daughters with a childhood rich in experiences, from travels around the world to explorations through the deserts and mountains of the American West. Summers were spent boating on Lake Powell, while life at home included horses, snowmobiles, dogs, cats, and plenty of outdoor adventures.

His daughters also remember spending countless hours at their father’s law office, carefully updating his law books by replacing the thin, delicate pages with new ones. These experiences, both the ordinary and the extraordinary, became lasting family memories.

His love of horses was especially memorable. He named his leopard Appaloosa, Carelabri, by combining the names of his four daughters. Horseback riding, wilderness adventures, and horsepacking trips through Utah’s beautiful backcountry were among his favorite pursuits.

Richard was active in his community, serving for 17 years as a volunteer with Utah County Search and Rescue. He was also involved with Provo’s Freedom Festival, the Kiwanis Club, and local political organizations.

His interest in government and public service eventually led him to run for the United States Congress. After an initial campaign in 1990, Richard became the Republican nominee for Utah’s 3rd Congressional District in 1992. His daughters spent months traveling throughout the district with him, experiencing firsthand the excitement and challenges of a congressional campaign.

True to his love of the West and his flair for the memorable, Richard made a grand entrance at the 1992 Republican convention, riding his horse, Carelabri, through the arena to the theme from Bonanza. During that campaign, he also received a public endorsement from President George H. W. Bush during the president’s visit to Brigham Young University.

An attorney, outdoorsman, storyteller, traveler, and political candidate, Richard lived a life filled with diverse interests and experiences. His daughters carry with them memories of the stories he told, the places they traveled, and the many adventures and opportunities he made possible.

Richard is survived by his four daughters, Cami (Joe) Severson, Remi (Lance) Oden, Lani (BJ) Wright, and Brindi (Ryan) Horsley, and his 14 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Funeral Arrangements

Friday Evening Viewing

Friday, November 6, 2026 6:00–8:00 p.m. Wheeler Mortuary 211 East 200 South Springville, Utah 84663

Saturday Morning Viewing

Saturday, November 7, 2026 9:30–10:30 a.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 860 East 200 North Springville, Utah 84663

Graveside Service

Saturday, November 7, 2026 11:00 a.m. Evergreen Cemetery 1997 South 400 East Springville, Utah 84663

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.