Richard James Blaser

Richard James Blaser, age 81, passed away in St. George, UT, on September 18, 2025, after years of battling dementia. He was born on February 3, 1944, in San Francisco, CA, to Carrie Vivian and James Robert Blaser. Richard married Mary Lou Hintze in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 24, 1966.

He was the second son, raised in a small town in Nevada, where he loved running the streets with his little brother Jimmy. He loved his brother more than himself and always tried to protect him. We know Richard and Jimmy are celebrating their reunion in heaven—and hopefully planning some shenanigans together once again.

Richard graduated from South High School in Salt Lake City and served a three-year mission in São Paulo, Brazil. He never lost his love for the Brazilian people—and never lost his ability to converse in Portuguese.

He worked for the U.S. Postal Service throughout his life, serving as the Postmaster in Hurricane, UT, for many years, where he also raised his family. He loved to browse the DI (Deseret Industries), always bringing home what he considered “treasures”—which drove his wife crazy. He loved to read and treated the DI like a library. He’d buy a book, read it in a day or two, return it, and buy his next one.

Richard was always an early riser and absolutely adored his grandchildren. One of his favorite things was a Diet Coke from McDonald’s or Maverik. His grandkids are full of sweet memories—getting up early to ride with Grandpa to McDonald’s for a fancy pancake breakfast or to Maverik for hot cocoa and a donut.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, and his six children: Paulo and Star Blaser, Jenifer and Todd Hinton, Richelle and Tim Bishop, Roger and Lisa Blaser, Jimmy and Michelle Blaser, and Mark and Erin Blaser. He is also survived by his one-and-only favorite sister, Vicki Turner; his brothers, Dell McNeil and Clay (Lori) Fitch; 21 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandbabies.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother James, and his younger brother Jimmy.

Richard will be laid to rest in a small family graveside service in Hurricane, Utah, on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

Rest easy in the arms of the Savior, until we meet again, Grandpa.