I made my home in Provo, Utah with my sister Agnes and brother-in-law Jesse A. Clayson from 1920 to 1942 when Agnes passed away. Then I lived with my sister Eunice Rowley until her death in 1950. Her son Willmott bought the Rowley home and I continued to live with them until his wife Zola’s death in June of 1965. At the present time I have an apartment in their home.

Carl Richins, Lyle Richins, Ivan Iverson and myself comprised the presidency of the Richins Family Organization during the 1930s. A reunion has been held most every year since. At the present time we are doing research work in the name of Richins Surname Organization. As of 1969, I have had the honor of being made Honorary President of the Organization.

My hobby has been fishing and hunting. It is a wonderful creation. It was always so relaxing and enjoyable to get away from work and to go to the canyons and enjoy the beautiful mountains, streams and lakes. I have had some fine trips with the Richins boys from Henefer, as well as the Farrs from Provo. I have been in many of the hunting areas in Utah. I usually got my limit of fish and most always a deer.

I have always enjoyed my Priesthood work. I was ordained a Deacon when I lived in Mexico, but I have been unable to get the dates of my ordinations of Deacon, Teacher, and Priest. I hope to get this information in the near future. I was ordained an Elder by La Ray Decker February 28, 1932, when I lived in the Manavu Ward, Provo Stake.[3] When I went to live with Eunice I was in the Fourth Ward, Utah Stake. I was in the Elders presidency for about a year with Joseph Boles, Alfred Ridge, and Wayne Close. Upon our release, I was ordained a High Priest on January 12, 1947 by W. Raymond Green, by-passing the office of Seventy. I was collector for the Fourth Ward Priesthood Burial Fund for seven and one-half years. I was then appointed collector for this fund for Utah Stake. This comprised six wards. I was in this position for ten years. I was a ward teacher for many years and at the present time I am a home teacher.

Since my retirement, I have gone to Mesa, Arizona during the winter months. I have stayed with Beatrice and Henry. While I was there I have done Temple work. The following was taken from the Fourth Ward bulletin: “Brother John W. Richins recently spent 10 weeks in Mesa, Arizona with his sister and brother-in-law, the Henry L. Smiths. The Smiths live 2 blocks from the Mesa Temple. He left Provo January 10, and returned March 31, and worked in the Mesa Temple 9 Weeks doing 3 names a day [for] a total of 12 names a week (4 days a week). This making a grand total of 108 names. The past 4 years Brother Richins had done 364 names, mostly in the Mesa Temple, some in the Salt Lake Temple. He is to be commended for his diligence and faithfulness. A fine, outstanding member of our ward."

Editor’s note: John died at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah on December 21, 1973. His funeral was held December 27, 1973. He was buried in the Provo City Cemetery. At the time of his death he was living at 173 West, 400 North, Provo, Utah.