Richard Sharon Kay, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, and educator left this earth to be with his eternal father and earthly mother on May 2nd, 2023.

Richard was born on September 29, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah to parents Frances Lillian and Darrell Henry Kay. He was the youngest of 3 boys. He lived his entire life in Utah

Richard graduated from Olympus High School, Salt Lake City in 1958 where he was active in wrestling, football, baseballs, letterman's, chairman election and ushers' clubs. He excelled in his academic studies while also working to support his mother and brothers.

He received a Bachelors (1965) and Masters (1969) of Science in Physical Education from the University of Utah. In 1972 he earned his Doctorate in Education Psychology from Purdue University.

He began a long and diverse career in education at Evergreen Junior High School as teacher and coach. His career continued as graduate instructor at Purdue University while simultaneously earning his Doctorate. In 1972 he joined Brigham Young University as a professor in Educational Psychology and Secondary Education where he worked until 1994. He then returned to school to earn a certificate in Educational Administration from the University of Utah.

His education career continued in 1996 as the Principal at Landmark High School in Spanish Fork, Utah. During his time at Landmark, he influenced the lives of many students. He sought ways to inspire and motivate students by partnering with organizations including the Negro Baseball League and Tuskegee Airmen (where he was awarded the distinction of Honorary Mayor of Tuskegee). Richard served as Principal until 2002 when he moved to the Nebo School District offices.

In 2006, Richard accepted the position of Principal at Oakridge School in Springville, Utah. He used his vast educational experience to enrich the lives of students with intellectual and physical disabilities. He engaged national resources including Boston University, the US Board of Education and others to create meaningful programs for the student and staff population at Oakridge.

In 2011 Richard retired his official capacities with Nebo School District. He continued to work on special programs throughout the United States well beyond his retirement.

Throughout his life, Richard was an avid oil painter, enjoyed gardening, road trips, musical theater, and home improvement projects.

He was well regarded as the "King" of dad jokes.

He was a beloved neighbor and friend to many in Orem where he lived for over 30 years.

In 1963, Richard married Joyce (Vanmondfrans) Kay at the Salt Lake Temple and had 4 children together. They later divorced.

Richard is survived by his children Brian (Lori) Kay, JoMarie (Darren) Larsen, Michael (Glen Meyers) Kay, and Allison (Ben) Swenson; 9 grandchildren and their spouses; and 3 great grandchildren.

Richard is preceded in death by his mother, Frances Lillian Fowler Kay; father, Darrell Henry Kay; and brothers, Robert Leroy Kay and Norman Dean Kay.

Funeral Services will be on Saturday May 20, 2023 at 10:00 am in the LDS Chapel 1660 North 200 West, Orem. Friends may visit with the family on Friday May 19, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home 646 East 800 North, Orem or on Saturday from 9:00-9:45 am at the church prior to the service. Interment will be at the Orem City Cemetery following the service

In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging memorials be made to Oakridge School in Springville, Utah or other charities in Richard's name.