Richard “Ric” Kirschner, 72, of Sweet Home, passed away on August 24, 2024. Ric was born on January 5, 1952, in Copenhagen, Denmark to Leonard B. and Barbara Jean (Cook) Kirschner.

Ric was a kind, loving man, passionate about teaching and empowering others, especially children. He found solace in working with children and in the theater. Ric valued education and received recognition for his dedication to teaching.

He was well-known in elementary, middle/high school, college settings, and children’s theater groups. Ric received the Martin Luther King Award for his commitment to diversity and was honored as Teacher of the Year for Granite School District.

Ric is survived by his beloved wife, Rebecca Kirschner; his biological child, Richard Len Kirschner; his adopted children, Robert Edward Kirschner and Rhadhan Vincent Kirschner; and his stepchildren, Joshua William Gibson, Heidee Jo Gibson, Lora Kristine Fullmer, Karen Deanne Hurd, Michelle Marie Gannon, Stacee Himle-Miller, and his 14 grandchildren. Ric sacrificed greatly for all of his children and grandchildren. His love for them is never-ending.

Ric enjoyed gardening, woodworking, caring for animals, and finding natural peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to help offset the costs, per Ric’s request, there will be no funeral, but a small celebration of life will be held at his home on September 14, 2024, from 2 – 5 PM. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com