Obituaries

Richard Avery “Dick” Moore

On Aug. 25, 1930, Richard Avery “Dick” Moore was born at home on a farm near Forbes, N.D. On Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018, he went home to be with his Heavenly Father.

During his time with us Dad brought unconditional love and acceptance, joy, laughter and many stories. He shared his love of horses, camping adventures with beer pancakes, hunting and fishing trips, and hugs to all who knew him (actually, anyone he met.)

Dad was the 10th of 12 children born to Edward M. and Effie C. Moore. In 1940 Dad migrated westward with his family. He milked cows, worked horses, helped farm and did his best to keep the peace — while just as often disrupting it — among the younger half of the rambunctious Moore brood. At a young age he began milking cows and some reluctant goats on neighboring farms to help supplement the family’s income. He left home at an early age.
At age 19, during the Korean Conflict, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1949 to 1952. He saw extensive active duty in Korea and remembered and honored the men he fought with all his life. Dad received a Purple Heart while serving in Korea. Stateside, following active duty, he served as a drill sergeant, producing several honor platoons. Sgt. Moore, we thank you for your service.

Once he returned home from service, Dad’s sister, Grace, introduced him to Margaret “Maggie” Jane McLean, a svelte beauty from Clearwater. On Sept. 18, 1954, Dick and Maggie married and soon began their family by welcoming Robert Lee, Steven Richard and Edward Dean. Eleven years after Ed’s birth they finally had their little girl (or, as the boys like to say, Mom and Dad went ahead and had their own grandchild), Debra “Debbie” Jane.
During this time, while working as log-yard supervisor at Potlatch Corp. in Lewiston, Dick took his association with logging to a whole new level. He, along with good and faithful friend Roy Bartlett, taught many area youths how to logroll (birl) competitively. He went on to become a world-class competitor and was invited to perform at Expo 74; the World’s Fair in Spokane.

After working for more than 40 years to support his wife and raise his own rambunctious Moore brood, Dad happily retired. He and Mom (with the help of their children) finished building their cherished “retirement” cabin in Clearwater. They began spending winters in Casa Grande, Ariz., where they enjoyed golf and spending time with many new friends. They felt very fortunate when many of their old friends and family members started joining them in their annual migration to Arizona. It is there Dad reached the pinnacle of his favored sport by stroking three holes-in-one.
On Feb. 6, 2006, after pouring his heart and soul into caring for his dear Maggie, bride of 52 years, Dad lost her to cancer. It was a devastating blow to him and his children. After a few years of being alone, his sister Grace again knew what to do. She introduced Dick to Sylvia, who soon became his second wife, Sylvia Mapes Moore. Dick and Sylvia were married on Feb. 3, 2012, and spent six-plus blessed years in laughter and love. The children of Grandpa Dick will be forever thankful to Sylvia for joining their father in his many adventures and for sharing her life with him, and for providing him with such tender and loving comfort in his final days. Thank you, Sylvia.

Dick is survived by wife, Sylvia; and brother, Don (Beulah) Moore; his and Maggie’s four children, Rob (Kathy) Moore, Steve (Cindy) Moore, Ed Moore, and Debbie (Kevin) Moore-Crawford. He is also survived by Sylvia’s children, whom he adored and who, in-turn, adored him, Jeanne (Bob) Manion, Jan (Bill) Ginn, Brad Way, Jim Way, Nancy (Leonard) Saffle, and Debbie (Mike) Hebig. He is survived by many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a gaggle of nieces and nephews — all of whom were his favorite.

At 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, a celebration of Dad’s life will be held at New Bridges Community Church in Lewiston. A luncheon will follow at the church.
Viewing will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Sept. 16, at Trenary Funeral Home in Kooskia. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at the Clearwater Cemetery.