Charles Richard Sams, 65, passed away January 29, 2014, surrounded by family and friends at his home in Hayden, Idaho.

He was born August 10, 1946, in Wendell, Idaho to Charles E. and Bernadine (Vaught) Sams. Dick grew up in Gooding, Idaho. He graduated from Gooding High School in 1966. After high school he attended the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing. He was commissioned into the U.S. Navy and served in the Vietnam War, and was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1972, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.

Dick began working for his dad at Tingwall’s Department Store as an assistant manager where he worked for 2 years. After selling the store he began his banking career with First Security Bank, which later became Wells Fargo. He retired in 2009 after 37 years.

Dick married Wendy in 1983 in Coeur d’Alene, and they were happily married for 23 years. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta, a former president of North Idaho College Foundation, a past board member of Kootenai Health Foundation, a former member of the Rotary Club, and a former president of the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the Hayden Lake Country Club, on the Summer Theatre board and on the Hayden Urban Renewal Commission. He was an avid pianist and had a passion for golf and gardening. He received numerous awards and had enumerable accomplishments.

Dick was preceded in death by his beloved Wendy in 2006, and his dad, Chuck, and mom, Bunny.

Dick is survived by his sons and daughters: Dustin (Jody) Sams of Nampa, Idaho; Corrie (Heath) Sande of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Christina (Steve) Schmidt stationed in Katterbach, Germany; and Cris (Rheanna) Burnham of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; his sister, Meg (Oley) Kevan of Meridian, Idaho; his grandchildren: Cameron, Makena, Brycen, Kaylee, Aubrey, Alex and Baylin; and his nieces and nephew: Lisa, Lucas and Brianna.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m., Monday, February 3, 2014, at Lake City Community Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with a reception for family and friends immediately following. Yates Funeral Home in Hayden is in care of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to North Idaho College Foundation, the Kootenai Health Foundation, Hospice of North Idaho, the American Cancer Society, or the American Health Foundation. You may visit Dick’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com