Richard R. "Dick" Crossler

Richard R. "Dick" Crossler, a life-long area resident, died Wednesday morning, April 20, 2016 at Good Samaritan Moscow Village. He was 83. Dick was born May 29, 1932 at Moscow to Donald H. and Nellie E. Thompson Crossler. He grew up and went to school in Moscow, graduating from Moscow High School in 1950. On December 27, 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, Royleen Chaney in Viola. He worked for the railroad in Potlatch for a time, the Moscow Steam Laundry, the Ford Garage and then for his uncle at Abbott Tire Store in Moscow. In 1957 he began his career with the Postal Service, first as a substitute carrier, then as a postal clerk, mail supervisor and then as a rural mail carrier until his retirement in 1987. Dick was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Moscow and served on the church board. He was also active in the Masonic Lodge (Potlatch Lodge No. 66, A.F & A.M.), the York Rite Masons, Shrine, Potlatch Chapter # 48 Order of Eastern Star, Order of Amaranth, and the Moscow Moose Lodge. Dick also served with the Moscow Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years, served on the Viola Water Board and cared for the Viola Cemetery for decades. Dick was active in Boy Scouts of America as a youth attaining the rank of Explorer Ranger, was a Scout leader as an adult and was a HAM radio operator. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing and he and Royleen wintered in Arizona for many years following his retirement. Dick is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Royleen, at their Viola home, his sons and daughters-in-law, Charles E. and Mary Jo Crossler of Viola, Donald R. and Debbie Crossler of Coeur d'Alene, Thomas E. and Denise Crossler of Moscow and his daughter and son-in-law, Marcy and Kevin Taylor of Pasco, WA. He also leaves 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren and a brother, Phillip D. (Kathleen) Crossler in Everett, WA. He was preceded in death by a sister, Donna Rae Pedersen. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church. Pastor Sue Ostrom will officiate and the Masonic Tribute of Affection will be provided by Paradise Lodge No. 17, A.F & A.M. Burial will follow at the Viola Cemetery. A reception and time of remembering will follow back at the Church Fellowship Hall afterward. Viewing will be at Short's Funeral Chapel on Friday, April 29th from Noon until 6:00 P.M. The family suggests that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church, The Moscow Volunteer Fire Department or to the Shriner's Childrens Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.