Richard Walter Hassler, known as 'Dick' to his friends, went to his heavenly rest in the early morning hours of Nov. 25, 2014, of complications from heart disease.

Dick was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 24, 1941, and grew up in El Monte, Calif. He spent a total of 13 years in the Navy performing such jobs as recruiter, aviation maintenance, quality assurance, and was even qualified to be a flight deck firefighter.

After leaving the Navy, Dick moved with his family to Rathdrum, Idaho, in 1981, working for Hewlett Packard, and called Idaho his home ever since. He was an avid NASCAR fan, ham radio enthusiast, and history buff.

Dick is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Mary; his four children: Chris (Celeste) and grandsons Erik and Scott of Los Alamitos, Calif., Richard (Michelle) of Nicholasville, Ky., Cheryl Pannell and grandson Zachary of Rathdrum, and Stephanie Simpson (Jay) and granddaughters Samantha and Taya of Post Falls. He is also survived by his loving brother Roger Hassler (Angie) of El Dorado, Calif.

A memorial service for Dick will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rathdrum, with an Honor Ceremony and Celebration of Life immediately following in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rathdrum Lions Club Backpack Program.