Melvin Richard Maxfield, PhD's Obituary
Melvin Richard Maxfield, PhD
Richard, son of Mary and Grant Maxfield, was the second delivered of the first set of triplets born at the LDS Hospital on August 19, 1934. Richard was reunited with our Heavenly Father on September 24, 2024, at the age of 90. He was the great grandson of John Taylor, third President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In his early childhood, the triplet notoriety bothered him as pictures of the babies first birthday, bathing together, or any other “newsworthy event” was reported.
As a teenager he was a golf caddy at The SL Country Club and delivered papers in the upper Millcreek neighborhoods. After graduating from Granite High School, Richard sailed by freighter to his mission in Australia. Upon his return, he and his companion travelled through Europe, touring Egypt, Italy, Switzerland, France, and England. They then sailed to New York and arrived in Salt Lake via train. His mission literally took him around the world.
His academic accomplishments were achieved through receiving his bachelor’s from The University of Utah, a Master’s degree through Utah State, and eventually his PhD in Education from BYU. Richard married Charlotte Sheffield and was blessed with eight children: Mark, Bradly, Randall, Melinda, Tamara, Michelle, Merrick and Amy. Later as a divorcee, he married Judith Noll and added five bonus children. He boasts 53 grandchildren and 67 great grandchildren as a part of his great legacy.
Richard’s passions were golf, jeeping, and hiking. He explored every crook and cranny of Utah. He enjoyed living close to the mouth of Millcreek Canyon where he would hike several times a week. He loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and served additional missions in the Inner City, the Navajo Nation, and 10 years with the Perpetual Education Fund. His greatest pursuit was in education where he was devoted to changing the approach to how students learn. He served on the Salt Lake School Board, the State Board of Education, established the foundation of computer education in Utah and Alaska, assisted with CBE at vocational schools in Thailand, and retired as Superintendent of Sevier Valley ATC in Richfield. He then went on to help establish AISU Charter School in Salt Lake. His publications and literary achievements include: “The Book of Mormon and the Conversion Process”, “Benjamin Franklin: The True Story of America’s Greatest Diplomat”, “The Real Thomas Jefferson: The True Story of America’s Philosopher of Freedom”, “Career Preparation for Economic Development: Solving a Growing Utah Crisis,” and others.
Richard will be missed as a guardian of family, a spiritual giant, and a pioneer in education. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Conrad, Steve, triplet sister Marilyn Genile, a grandchild, and a great grandchild. He leaves behind a large posterity, his eternal partner Judy, his twin brother Merrill, and sister Carol.
Viewing: Oct 3, 6-8 PM, and Oct 4, 10-10:45 AM. Funeral: Oct 4, 11 AM at the East Millcreek Stake Center, 3103 Craig Dr., Millcreek, UT 84109.
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