Richard Dale Gaustad, 73, returned to our Heavenly Father August 18, 2026, leaving behind a life dedicated to family, technology, adventure, martial arts, friendship, travel and a deep love for music. He was born on October 22, 1952 to Sidney Orlando Gaustad and Beulah Pierce Gaustad.
Rich always treasured the value of growing up in the open frontier of Alaska, graduating from East Anchorage High School and later continued education at Utah State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in music education. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he dedicated himself to his calling as choir director. A serial entrepreneur, he worked tirelessly throughout his life, pursuing many passions and interests by starting countless businesses and always challenging himself to overcome adversities with unending optimism and persistence, never giving up.
Rich was deeply passionate about music and was in a lifelong pursuit of developing his talents. He played drums as his favorite instrument, and also loved to perform on guitar, bass, piano and other instruments in addition to singing. He was active in different musical groups, ranging from his church calling, to rock bands, including his original high school rock band in Anchorage as recently as 2023, and other local musical groups.
His hobbies included travel and planning adventures; he loved movies of all kinds, action movies were his favorite genre, though his favorite movie of all time was ‘A Christmas Story’. Outgoing and gregarious, he was quick to make deep friendships wherever he went in his global travels and in his local communities throughout his life. All who knew him appreciated his quick wit and sense of humor. He had a strong sense of loyalty and always remembered the smallest details when it came to his friends, and spent a lot of time helping friends and family in need.
His favorite Holiday was Christmas, and he loved to trim the tree and decorate the entire house throughout the season. Richard maintained an avid interest in the martial arts, competing in tournaments and continuing practice into his 60’s. He was active throughout his life, enjoying other hobbies such as tennis, skiing, jogging, weight lifting and frequenting the gym. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney Orlando Gaustad and Beulah Pierce Gaustad. He is survived by his sisters, Chris (Robert) Ebstein and Karen (Gary) Merrill and his children, Eric Richard Gaustad and Kelsey (Dan) Abbott, as well as many cherished close friends from around the world.
A memorial service will be held Friday, September 4th, 2026 at 11:00AM in the LDS church building located at 390 Village Boulevard, Stansbury Park, UT 84074.
