Richard Baum

Richard Kevin Baum passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at the young age of 65 in American Fork, Utah.

Rick spent his early years in the cool, clean evergreens of Portland, Oregon and on the crashing waves of Canon Beach. He was born on April 26, 1957, in La Grande, Oregon. He was blessed with five wonderful sisters and one wonderful brother. His parents, Richard and Elaine, raised Rick in the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rick served a Spanish speaking mission in Argentina. His two favorite books he read each year were: The Book of Mormon and The Hobbit.

While attending Brigham Young University in Utah, Rick met his beautiful wife, Joyce Lyn Shepherdson. They had three amazing children: Nicole Baum, Rebecca Baum Mousavi, and Richard Andrew Baum; one wonderful son-in-law, Kambiz Mousavi; and one incredible daughter-in-law, Barbara Morey Baum (deceased).  Rick graduated from BYU with a degree in English and finished his education at BYU by earning a Master’s in Business Administration.

Rick was blessed with a fruitful career where he enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships of his colleagues. Church callings were not far behind, and Rick willing served. Hard work was as natural to him as Sunday afternoon naps. He lived more than 25 years in Highland, Utah helping to build a beautiful community where so many seek to live.

As a boy, Rick learned to hunt and fish loving the outdoors. Later on, that settled into a love of gardening and yardwork. Dark green grasses and bright blooms grew zealously under his care.

Rick enjoyed music and eagerly joined his voice with many beloved ward members singing hymns of praise. Christmas music was one of his favorites.

Something special about Rick, that was easily overlooked, was his desire to share. He willingly offered and genuinely enjoyed giving to others. It was unusual that someone even needed to ask before Rick offered. He lived the words of King Benjamin, one of Rick’s favorite passages, found in Mosiah 2:17, “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

He loved being a husband and a father; his home was the center of his time on earth. Although the last several years of his life were marked with illness, disease and great pain, they were also filled with great love. Acts of kindness and tremendous sacrifices surrounded him. He is dearly loved.

Although his time on earth was cut short, his time eternally moves forward. There is much to be done and hope propels us onward. So until then, our dearest husband, father, brother and son, we bid you a brief farewell.

The funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10962 N. 6400 W. Highland UT 84003, on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at 10:30am.

A graveside dedication will occur following the service at the Highland City Cemetery and all family members are invited to attend. There will be no viewing preceding the funeral or luncheon following the graveside burial.