Richard "Dick" Melvin Draben was born in Chicago Heights, Ill., on Nov. 24, 1942, to Melvin Howard and Marion Jane Draben. In 1949 they moved to the Silver Valley and settled in Wardner. Dick spent his early school years at the Wardner School, and junior and senior school years in Kellogg.

On Sept. 4, 1961, Dick joined the U.S. Navy and sailed on the Coral Sea as a Boiler Tender 3rd Class, receiving an honorable discharge on May 16, 1965.

On July 2, 1966, Dick married Agnes Ivie. The couple lived in the Kellogg area until they moved to Coeur d'Alene with their two children, Mary and Rich Jr., in 1970. Dick worked at Buttrey's as a meat cutter apprentice for three years, and at Sulley's Meats for 9-1/2 years. In 1975 Dick moved his family into their new home in Hayden. He went to work at the Idaho National Forest and retired in 2006 after 20-plus years of service.

Dick was an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with family and friends. He was also an active member of The Altar Church.

Dick left this Earth on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, to live with his Lord and Savior. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Agnes; daughter Mary of Hayden; grandchildren Jared Reynolds of Grangeville, Dane Draben of Idaho Falls, Molly Draben of Hayden, Darrian Mahon of Idaho Falls, Twink and Rae Turner, as well as Pat and Kathy Kincannon aka "real family" (name given by Jared), all of Seattle, Wash.

Dick was preceded in death by son Richard Melvin Draben Jr., mother Marion Jane Draben, father Melvin Howard Draben and friend Gunnard Appleberg.

Our beloved Dick may be gone from this Earth but he is forever in our hearts.

Dick's service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, at The Altar Church, 901 E. Best Ave., Coeur d'Alene. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dick's memory to Good Samaritan Rehabilitation, 901 E. Best Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 or Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Hayden, ID 83835.