13 Nov 1952 – 7 Feb 2014
3rd Great Grandson of Philip Cardon and Martha Marie Tourn
2nd Great Grandson of Marie Madeline Cardon and Charles Guild
Great Grandson of Mary Madeline Guild and John William Cross
Grandson of Florence Adele Cross and Allen Walter Sellers
Son of Patricia Sellers and Tony George Rukavina
Richard Tony Rukavina, our beloved son, brother, uncle, dear friend, and valued colleague, passed away suddenly at his home of a heart attack. He was sixty-one.
Rick grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and after attending college at Utah State University, he moved to Reno, Nevada to pursue his life as a geologist, businessman, and avid recreationist.
Richard worked very hard in his career as a knowledgeable exploration geologist with an incredible work ethic, an eye for detail, and amazing organizational skills.
Richard enjoyed his leisure time by becoming proficient at snow skiing, golf, and tennis. As his back deteriorated, fly fishing became Rick’s favored sport and he travelled the world fly fishing with his best friends.
Richard opted for few material goods but rather a life so very rich with travels throughout the world that took him to dozens of locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Western Europe, Argentina, Columbia, Peru, Chile, and New Zealand.
Rick had a deep devotion to family and love for his sweet parents, Tony and Patricia; two brothers, John (Christy) and Larry; and his little sister, Ramona. Richard also leaves behind two nieces, Samantha and Amelia; two nephews, Robert and Christopher; and great-nephew, Jaxon David. He leaves behind endearing friends and many admiring friends and colleagues.
Fondly called Ricky by his closest friends in Reno, Rick was always great company with an interesting story to tell or a lending hand. Though his life is painfully short for those loved ones left behind, there is comfort in knowing while Richard was alive on this mortal plane, he truly lived.
Richard will be deeply missed by the many people who loved him and the loss seems unbearable. But his presence and spirit will always be in our hearts and beings as he flies through the starry skies above….We love you Rick….xx
Richard’s desire was to be cremated. Part of his ashes will be interred with his father, Tony George Rukavina, at funeral services to be held on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 South Highland Drive (1495 East), East Millcreek, Utah.
Following the services, Tony and Richard will be interred in the Whispering Pines section of Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune from June 17 to June 18, 2014.
Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, Salt Lake City, Utah
