Funeral of father and daughter killed in Ogden Canyon accident

OGDEN, Utah – It’s been a week since two people were killed in an accident in Ogden Canyon.

The funeral for Richard and Sally Hendrickson took place on Saturday morning.

Blue ribbons were placed around the Dee Events Center in Ogden in memory of a loving father and daughter.

“They both inspired us and we love them both so much,” said Richard’s son Samuel Hendrickson. “When we see the impact (Richard and Sally) have had on the community, it makes us all want to be a little bit better.”

Richard Hendrickson was CEO of Lifetime Products, a global company based in Clearfield.

“He was very special to a lot of people,” said Vince Rhoton, Richard’s friend for 36 years and executive vice president of Lifetime Products. “He really had a unique ability among all his other talents. I think his secret sauce was that he was able to connect with people at any level and in any location, identify with them and empathize with their problems.”

Richard was also an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved flying airplanes and riding motorcycles.

“He had every excuse to be busy, he had every excuse to not make time for this family, to not have enough time for us, but somehow he always made it happen,” Samuel recalled. “He always made it happen and was always there.”

Richard’s daughter Sally was 16 years old. Posters with the slogan “Live like Sally, love like Sally and laugh like Sally” were everywhere.

“Sally did all of those things so perfectly,” Samuel said. “She was a beautiful little girl, she grew up to be such a beautiful young woman, but she still had this fun and exciting side. She was a friend to everyone. Everyone loved her.”

Richard and Sally’s lives came to a tragic end in Ogden Canyon when heavy equipment broke loose from a passing tow truck and hit their SUV.

Samuel, his other sister and his mother were also in the vehicle and were able to exit safely.

“When you look at the photos and stuff like that after the accident, it’s unbelievable that any of us made it,” Samuel added. “And it’s hard to accept that my dad and Sally didn’t make it.”

Hundreds of people attended the wake and funeral to pay their last respects.

“They were incredible people. It’s incredible to see that the community and so many people want to recognize and honor that,” Samuel said.

Representative Blake Moore of Utah’s 1st Congressional District grew up in the same neighborhood as Richard and is friends with the family.

“My deepest sympathy goes out to Julie and the children and I hope they realize that these people are not just here today, but that they will be here for them as long as they need them and whatever they need,” he said.

Samuel said he hopes his father and sister’s lives continue to be full of love and dedication.

“It makes us want to love more,” he said.