Robert L. Rice is well known for "Rice Stadium" in Salt Lake, and for health spas and for University of Utah Football, but mostly just for being a good man. He was a neighbor and friend for close to 30 years. He was always a great example. He loved sports and loved the University of Utah but he was just a "good man". Rice stadium has a lot of memories. The best one is that it was often the backdrop for Bob's Christmas cards. He and his very large family often standing near his name on the wall. We saw the closing ceremony of the 2002 Olympics in a row just up from the 20 yard line near the stage. We saw some football games and a variety of events. Even the Rolling Stones. The stadium means little compared to what Bob meant. He seemed to believe in me. He seemed to see the best in me. Our work was mostly through the church but he reached out often beyond that connection. He always remembered our kids name and always wanted to know what was happening in their lives. He was in many ways the most polished and cultured individual I ever knew and yet he often made grammatical errors when giving a talk. I for one wanted to hug him when he did. I will very much miss him. He has gone on to be with others of his standings.
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His name was added to the University of Utah football stadium in 1972 when he gave the university $1 million for stadium renovations. The stadium name changed in 1998 to Rice-Eccles Stadium when George S. Eccles, through the George S. and Dore Eccles Foundation, contributed $10 million toward a $52 million stadium expansion and renovation.
"I have always thought that sports underlies what we actually face in life," Rice said shortly after making the donation. "Watching teams and individuals become great at sports is important, I think. The good athlete has the advantage of taking advantage of what gifts he has."
