Obituary: Ricard, Donald A.
Donald had recently celebrated his 89th birthday.
He was born September 12, 1924 in Crookston Minnesota He was the oldest of 6 siblings.
He moved with his family to Burbank WA.
He joined the Navy in May of 1943, Married Pattie Lou Swain in 1949, they raised her daughter Glenda until her death of pneumonia at age 3, and they had 3 children of their own Victoria, Cherrie and Richard.
They were married for 60 years until her death at 77 after a brief illness March 20 2009.
After the war he became a heavy equipment operator and was a master of his trade, He signed on with Grants Construction Company, retiring finally when the Company was sold in 1983.
He was especially proud of having the opportunity to travel to Vietnam for 18 Months teaching local operators how to build an airport and roads.
He and Pattie finally settled on 20 acres in Priest River Idaho.
After retiring, He and wife Pattie took trees from the property and using his sawmill, built a log home.
“The big house” was a labor of love and a dream of theirs.
Donald and Pattie had the wonderful experience of traveling across the United States in their beloved motorhome for 23 years crossing the U.S. while visiting loved ones.
They enjoyed the open road and had many adventures.
Donald was quick with a smile and always enjoyed his time with his friends and family.
He loved the views from his home, often watching the deer in the mornings.
He enjoyed a close friendship with son in law Dan.
He was able to stay in his home until the last day of his life thanks to his daughters Cherrie, who prepared his meals and lives on the property, Victoria, came up every 2 to 3 weeks, and his son Richard, came every year to visit sometimes traveling in the motorhome together.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Arthur; brother, Marvin; brother-in-law, Don Baker; wife, Patricia; step-daughter, Glenda.
He is survived by sisters: Jane Hainline (Tom), Lorraine Baker; sister-in-law, Evelyn Ricard; brothers: Will (Mary), Jim Ricard (Melba); daughters, Victoria (Gene), Cherrie (Dan); son, Richard (Patti); grandchildren: Doniella, Jason, Dominique, Richard, Kevin, Richelle and Ryan (Chelsea); great-grandchildren: Taylor (Rachael), Paige, Paeton, Mia, Emma, Brayden, Dane and Archer; and many nieces and nephews A Graveside Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, November 2nd, at 2PM at the Evergreen Cemetery in Priest River, Idaho.
Following the service a reception will be held at his home.
Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Priest River, Idaho is in charge of arrangements.
Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.sherman-knapp.com