Ronald Paul Richard

Ronald Paul Richard passed on Saturday, October 13, 2018.  Ron had recently undergone heart surgery following a heart attack, and died at home with his three sons by his side. 

Ron was born August 16, 1955 to Willard and Ruth (Van Dorien) Richard at American Falls, Idaho. A farm boy, he developed a strong work ethic and values growing up and working on the family’s farm.  He attended schools in Aberdeen and American Falls where he played sports, with a particular affinity for football, and was in FFA. 

After serving in the United States Air Force, Ron earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and Animal Sciences at the University of Idaho in 1983, and a master’s degree in Animal Sciences from Washington State University in 1985, working various jobs to fund his education. Upon earning his master’s, he worked as an Extension Educator in Idaho County before returning to the University of Idaho, where he spent the rest of his career as an instructor in meat science and Manager of Vandal Brand Meats in the Department of Animal and Veterinary Science. Ron reinvigorated the Block and Bridle Club and the Livestock and Meats Judging Team, and also judged livestock at area county fairs.  Ron was passionate about sharing his knowledge, encouragement, and positive attitude with many students of all ages.  He and his students developed many award-winning processed and smoked meats.

Of all Ron’s many accomplishments, his sons were his biggest source of pride. 

Ron and Nelda Hume were married 1986-2009. They made their home in Moscow, and were blessed with three wonderful sons, Ethan, Tyrel, and Angus. Though they later divorced, they continued to share the joy of their sons throughout all their activities and accomplishments. 

Besides being involved with the boys’ various sports, Ron was active in Cub Scouts, then Boy Scouts, serving as Scoutmaster for BSA Pack 344, and was active in BSA leadership. He was a very committed and devoted member of Moscow Central Lions, and was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Moscow. Ron was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan since a little boy. He enjoyed and cherished his family and friends, backpacking and watching football with his sons, country and classic rock music, and more recently, riding his Harley.  Ron enjoyed a good joke and a laugh with friends and family.  He will be greatly missed. 

Ron is survived by his sons and their mother; sisters Bonnie (John) McDermid, Loveland, CO; Connie Friesen, Lawrence, Kansas; Debbie (Roger) Tobias, Lyons, Kansas; brother John (Marylyn), Marsing, Idaho; cousin Ralph Richard, and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in Moscow on Sunday, October 21, 1:00pm at the University of Idaho Administration Auditorium, followed by a reception at the livestock judging pavilion adjacent to Vandal Brand Meats on the west side of campus, off the corner of Sixth Street and Perimeter Drive.

In lieu of flowers, and in remembrance and appreciation of Ron’s generous service to the community, his family suggests gifts may be made to the Ron Richard memorial fund for his sons, at the Moscow branch of P1FCU, beginning next week.

Besides your individual memories of Ron, please remember him by one of his favorite sayings, “ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow!  What a ride!’”

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