Richard Clyde

Richard Cornell Clyde turned 91 on November 3, 2026, and passed away on November 5, 2026. Richard spent his lifetime building -- building a family, shaping the Salt Lake City skyline with office towers, connecting communities through highways and bridges across the Western United States, and helping lead the growth of a multigenerational family business. Beyond the structures and enterprises he built, he dedicated himself to strengthening his church, serving his community, and, above all, raising a family rooted in faith, responsibility, generosity, and love.

A steadfast husband and father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and dedicated church and community leader, Richard believed the true measure of a life was found not in accolades or achievements, but in always showing up for others and giving without question or expecting anything in return. A quiet giant in stature and spirit, he led with care and conviction, leaving a lasting impression on those around him. Alongside Patricia, his lifelong love and eternal companion, he nurtured a family whose shared values continue to inspire generations.

Born in Springville, Utah, on November 3, 1935, Richard grew up around the family farm and construction business, where the simple pleasures of childhood were balanced with lessons in hard work. He was fascinated by passing trains, the exchange of mailbags in small towns along their routes, and visits with his father to construction sites, where bustling cook tents and daily operations captured his curiosity. He soon discovered that helping with chores around the cook tents could earn him a few extra pancakes, making the hard work worthwhile. These early experiences sparked his interest in how things worked, economics, managing operations, and working with others. Knowledge that would later serve him in leading large teams and complex construction projects.

Richard cherished growing up in Springville, spending time outdoors with his older sister, Carma, and traveling with his parents to construction sites and on simple family outings. What seemed like distant adventures across Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming introduced him to the beauty and possibilities of the American West.
The lasting influence of the Great Depression and World War II helped shape Richard's commitment to faith, family, community, and country. He briefly served in the Springville unit of the Utah National Guard. He loved patriotic tributes, military musical anthems, and would always show emotion when hearing the Star-Spangle Banner. He was proud to have played the bugle in the 5th Grade for the raising and lowering of his school flag, for Richard no matter the size of the assignment or the place, he always demonstrated respect for the symbols and protectors of our country.

During his formative educational years, Richard played high school basketball, graduated from Springville High School and Brigham Young University, served in the California Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and pursued graduate studies in economics at Stanford University. His education and professional goals took a defining turn when his grandfather, W. W. Clyde, asked him to leave Stanford and pause his graduate work to become office manager of Knight Ideal Coal Company. For Richard, the request was more than a career opportunity; it was a responsibility entrusted to him by his grandfather and family, one he felt deeply honored and obligated to fulfill. That commitment to family, duty, and service would guide his leadership throughout his life.

Building upon the heritage established by his grandfather and father, Richard became president of W. W. Clyde & Co. in 1986, guiding the business through a period of change, economic recession and transition. In 1998, he led the reorganization of a united parent company that established Clyde Companies Inc. and became its founding leader and bringing the businesses under a shared vision the future. His leadership helped carry the family's construction heritage into a broader enterprise positioned to serve generations to come. Following his retirement in 2001, Richard continued serving on the board of Clyde Co. Inc. for another decade.

A strong advocate for the construction industry and its importance to local and national economies, he served as president of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Utah and on the board of directors of the American Road Builders and Transportation Association. Through these roles, he engaged with national industry leaders and elected officials to address important issues affecting the construction industry at local, regional and national levels. In 2002, AGC of Utah honored him with its highest distinction, the Eric W. Ryberg Award, recognizing Richard’s exemplary service, integrity, and dedication to the industry. His contributions as a builder and business leader can be seen in landmarks including the Church Office Building, the former ZCMI Mall and Key Bank Tower, infrastructure and venues supporting the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, and hundreds of projects connecting communities throughout Utah, Nevada, and Wyoming.

Above all, Richard found his greatest happiness in his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A proud and loyal BYU Cougar, he rarely missed a football or basketball season, but he was even a bigger fan and champion in cheering on his children and grandchildren. Whether at a game, competition, match, play, concert, or presentation, Richard and Patricia were always there to celebrate and support. Campouts, holiday gatherings, barbecues, and celebrations were not causal gatherings but major events and important to connect family and build lasting memories. Richard continued to carry on the tradition set by his grandfather and his father of a large, family gathering before Christmas where he would arrange for a special visit from Santa and to make sure that the message of giving and sharing love through Christ was emphasized as the true meaning of the season.

Wherever Richard and Patricia made their home, from Springville and Bountiful to Orem and Lehi, they welcomed friends and neighbors into their lives, forming relationships that endured long after they moved away. Richard believed a meaningful life was focused on fully supporting family and friends, serving others and in doing so making the community a little more connected and better. Together, he and Patricia carried that spirit into their calling as office missionaries for the Chicago South Mission from 2002 to 2004. From Stanford to Chicago and throughout Utah, their circle of friendship continued to grow. Home was never defined simply by an address, but by the people they loved, the friendships they nurtured, and the sense of belonging they created wherever life took them.

From their earliest days as high-school sweethearts, Richard and Patricia shared a love that deepened through the joys, challenges, and countless moments of a lifetime together. They were each other's constant companions and greatest sources of comfort and strength. Even as their health declined in their final months, they remained side by side, finding peace in simply being together. In the early morning hours of November 4, 2026, Richard held Patricia's hand as his beloved wife peacefully passed away. Having been inseparable throughout their lives, it seemed only fitting that their time apart would be brief. The following day, November 5, Richard joined Patricia, his eternal companion, in heaven. Surrounded by his loving family and grandchildren in his final moments, he departed this life with the same love that had defined it—a love that will endure for generations.

Richard's love and legacy live on through his five children, Jeffrey Richard (Cheryl), Lisa Bunker (Steve), Laurie Schaefer (Mark), Melanie Bitters (Troy), and Matthew Cornell; his 18 beloved grandchildren, Jenny Boyack, Ryan Bunker, Jason Bunker, Rachel Heaton, Kevin Schaefer, Taylor Clyde, Brett Bunker, Chelsey Searle, Nicole Hunsaker, Erika Biggs, Natalie Schaefer, Austin Bitters, Nathan Schaefer, Marisa Macdonald, McKay Bitters, Zoe Clyde, Alex Clyde, and Mia Clyde; and 31 cherished great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family who will carry forward his example of faith, duty, generosity, and service. Richard was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Carma Russell and brother-in-law Kenneth Russell, and his loving parents, Wilford Cornell and Edna Clyde.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the relatives, dear friends, nurses, and caregivers whose compassion and devoted care brought comfort, dignity, and peace to Richard and Patricia throughout their final months together.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Lehi 48th Ward, 630 E 3200 N Lehi, Utah. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday, November 11 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, prior to the service. Condolences may be extended at www.bergmortuary.com.