George Richens

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    With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of George Ray Richens, a true cowboy, avid hunter, and loving father & husband, on October 17, 2023, at the age of 79.
    Born on June 12, 1944, in Vernal, UT.  George was a jack of all trades, but his true love was for his wife, Loraine (Oberhansly) Richens.  Their relationship was one of deep love and mutual respect.  Together, they experienced the joys and challenges of running cattle and the countless adventures that come with it. 
    George taught his family to stand on their own two feet and be someone.  Anyone who knows George knows he believed that life is here to be lived, even if it means bodily injury and more adventure than your soul can take.  His ability to tease and heckle people will go unmatched; it was truly one of the ways he showed how much he cared about the people around him. 
    George lived the life many only dream of, living the true life of a cowboy.  His skills were well-recognized, serving as the cow boss for multiple ranches (for over 20 years) in the Book Cliffs, Nevada, and throughout the Uintah Basin.  He was an expert horse trainer and wasn't one to shy away from a challenge; George successfully trained horses that others deemed untrainable.  Known for his deep knowledge of animals, he could spot and name any bird in the sky—a testament to his keen observational skills and love for wildlife.  George was equally passionate about his hounds.  They were his pride and joy, companions on many adventures, and a core part of his life.  His love for ranching and the cowboy way was more than a hobby—it’s who he was.  
    George is survived by his wife, Loraine Richens, White Rocks; his children, Jodie Abbegglen, Neola; Gary (Kimberlee) Richens, Upalco; Janice Richens Morris, Altamont; Barbie Richens (Kelly Julian), Neola; his step-children, Flynn (Teri) Paulson, Salt Lake City; Heidi Paulson (Chris Roberts), Neola; Robby J Paulson, Vernal; Sunni Paulson, Salt Lake; and his siblings, Joanne (Gary) Keiser, Jeanette (Harry) Dahlberg, Pearl Gamble, and Mike Richens (Nickie Nickel).  
     George has 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde Albert and Afton Iliene Richens, along with his sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and Jim Scott. 
    George’s love for his family & friends was strong and unmoving, leaving a permanent impact on all who knew him. Funeral services for George Richens, age 79, of Whiterocks, husband of Loraine Oberhansly Richens, will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at the Whiterocks Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  A viewing will be held that morning from 10;00 - 11:45 a.m.   Burial in the Neola Cemetery.