Richard David Platts, Jr

On January 25, 2026, Rick Platts a vibrant and outgoing man, left this life kicking and screaming. At his side were his wife Jill and lifelong friend Bob Malloy. Providing medical comfort was his kind and caring hospice nurse Char. If you knew Rick, you knew how much he loved life and he lived it to the fullest. Rick’s mind was very sharp. He understood the limitations of his aging body, and he knew time was reaching the final curtain. As with many things in his life, Rick was negotiating to the very end, working it with God. He was trying his best to manipulate his situation, trying to get more time. But, as had happened many times before, Rick was receiving one last lesson; as always and even in the end, God is in charge.

Richard David Platts, Jr. (Rick) was born 10/12/1946 to Katherine Platts. He was raised in South Salt Lake/Sugarhouse area and attended South High. Rick enlisted in the Airforce and served from 1965 to 1968 in Nha Trang. Ricks career was as a Painting and Sheetrock contractor for 35 years. 

Ricks passions were many and included desert dirt biking, ATV and side x side riding, water skiing, Harley motorcycle riding, golfing, camping, boating and mountain biking. Rick loved to travel. Anytime and anywhere. There are many fond memories he shared about Baja racing, Supercross races, Sturgis rallies, Montana, Idaho and Arizona. Rick always had at least one and usually two furry friends by his side. He spoke often of his best friends Tinkerbell, Skiffy, Rufus, Taz, Bobo, Lobo, Buck, George, Sunny, Gizmo and his last and dearest best friend Omar. All these dog friends were gone before Rick. I can promise you there is a grand reunion with these dogs and Rick, and I can only imagine the dog hair flying.

Rick loved spending time with people. For Rick, there were no strangers. Everywhere we went, Rick either knew someone in the room, or he was starting a new friendship. Above all, Rick loved spending time with his family.

Rick is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Jill Platts. His children include Todd Schenk and wife Lorelie, Jason Platts and wife Jules, Troy Nielsen, Derek Wollschleger, Erin Wollschleger and Taylor Barney. Rick had 9 grandchildren; Shilo Platts – wife Lupita Platts; Connor Platts, Jackson Platts, Tanner Bolton, Izaiah Eugean George, Izzac James George, Tristan Schenk, and Kai Van Platzen Nielsen. Ricks 5 great grandchildren are Bronson Schenk, Aria Platts, Lucchese Platts, Grayson Bolton and Barron Bolton.

Through his life Rick was blessed with children from previous life experiences whom he loved and treated as his own. Although our lives take different paths and we can lose touch, these children remain an important part of Rick’s life. Rick wanted to thank Dave Beckstead, Krystal Burke, Ryan Breeze, Eric Breeze, Branden Moulton, Travis Moulton, Lindsey Moulton, Travis Demann and Jenifer Sprague for letting him be a part of their lives.

Rick was blessed, later in life, with two brothers and two sisters whom he came to treasure and appreciate deeply. Terry Lee wife Sara, Glenna Lee, Rodger Lee wife Kim and Shannon Burrell husband Gary.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother Katherine Platts Burkhardt, fathers Glen Lee and Richard David Platts, Aunt Marilyn Platts and many other close family and friends.

Please join Rick’s family and friends for a celebration of Ricks life on March 6th, 2026, at 7 pm. We will be gathering at the Corner Canyon Church located at 12883 South 1300 East Draper, Utah 84020. Light refreshments and beverages will be available during the memorial

The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation for the excellent care provided to Rick from his VA medical team, renal care team and hospice providers. Through the progression of Ricks illness, the many doctors and nurses at the VA provided Rick and his family with kindness, love and respect. To our dear friend and hospice nurse Char and friend and dialysis nurse Allie, the family sends our greatest thank you for your excellent care of Rick and continued guidance and support for Jill.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your nearest humane society in Ricks name.

So, my dear friend and love of my life; here we are. Your journey here on earth has ended and that door has closed. The door you open next will bring you a journey that will be fuller and more satisfying than the last! I love you and miss you beyond words. I will see you again. God Speed by love!