Richard Simeon Tevis, 71

After 71 years of life filled with love, faith, friendship and family, Richard S. Tevis went to be with the Lord Oct. 4, 2017. He was born Jan. 7, 1946, to Felix and Nancy Tevis in Los Angeles, Calif. He was the eldest of eight children and grew up in San Fernando Valley, Calif. He had a tremendous love of the outdoors and spent time camping, fishing and hiking. During his early adult life, he enjoyed watching and participating in drag races.

Richard was a strong, loyal and hardworking man. He started working at an early age in the aircraft industry, as a tool builder for Douglas Air Craft, Rockwell and Lockheed in Burbank, Calif., for many years. He was a designer, an architect and an engineer, all without any degrees. He later retired, after 20 years with Unitech Composite in Hayden, Idaho.

In January 1977, Richard met the love of his life, Sherry. They were married June 11, 1977. Together they welcomed five children into the world, raising them with their strong faith and love. In 1991, he moved his family to his dream home, a little cabin in the woods, located in Rathdrum, Idaho. It was here where Richard watched his children grow-up, became a Papa, retired, and enjoyed endless love and laughter. He loved his family more than anything in the world and was always putting others needs before his own.

Richard had an incredible faith in God and was actively involved in his parish, St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rathdrum. He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus and truly loved helping with the annual fish frys and pancake breakfasts. One year, he was even recognized as Father of the Year.

During his retired years, Richard enjoyed wood cutting, wine making, gardening, and mostly spending time with his family and 11 grandchildren.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Nancy Tevis; his brother, Thomas Tevis and his sister, Kraig Keeler. Richard was survived by his wife, Sherry; his children, Andy (Yuki) Tevis, Jonathan (Robin) Tevis, Sara (DJ) Welch, Audree (Nathan) Keller and Bryan (Melina) Tevis; his grandchildren, Veronica, Nicolas, McKayla, Jack, Thalia, Emma, Isabella, Reagan, Rhett, Oliver and Kai; his siblings, Doris Courtice, Robert Tevis, Anthony Tevis, Janet Zutler and John Tevis; and many more nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

One of the projects that was near and dear to Richard’s heart, is the Tanzania Orphans Upendo Community which was founded by Fr. Bruno Mgaya, a man Richard knew not only as a spiritual leader, but as a friend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the organization at www.touco.org.

A memorial Mass is being held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rathdrum. English Funeral Chapel in Post Falls has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Please visit Richard’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.