Richard (Dick) Walton Skinner

Richard (Dick) Walton Skinner

Mar. 16, 1930- Aug. 11, 2024

Dad’s health was deteriorating as the doctor asked him what his goals were. “I want to take care of my family,” he replied. That is the kind of person he was. Always willing to help and care for others. He got his start in Ritzville, Wash. on March 16, 1930 and took the last breath of his extraordinary life on August 11, 2024 in Hayden, Idaho. His parents Leroy Hamilton and Sadie Clara (Miller) Skinner named him after a doctor hoping perhaps that he would follow in the doctor’s footsteps. Dad had other ideas. He preferred to be on the farm with his Uncle Ted and Aunt Lyd. At the age of 13 he was driving harvest truck from the fields to the road. Although he pursued different career paths he still owned a piece of that farm throughout his life.

He played basketball and football at Ritzville High School where he earned the name Swivel Hips for his speedy and elusive running style. At the age of 15 1/2 he soloed in an open cockpit airplane even though the legal age was 16. He flew off and on throughout his life and even went to work for Empire Airline after his first retirement.

He met his future wife, Mary Alice Buhl , at the age of 6 and married her in 1950. The next year a daughter Linda Sue was born followed by James Richard in 1954. He worked at several jobs in Ritzville before departing to Pullman , Wash. to begin his career with Washington Water Power (later renamed Avista). His father was the Fire Chief in Ritzville. For 40 years Dad followed in his footsteps in fire departments in Ritzville, Pullman and as Chief in Coolin, Idaho. He also taught First Aid and drove the ambulance in all kinds of weather making sure his patients got timely help whatever the obstacles.

Dad was always involved in his kids’ activities , first as a Little League coach and then as a Scoutmaster taking the boys on a 50-mile hike and helping them earn their First Aid Merit Badges. The highlight of his scouting career was watching his son achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

We remember the cold winter of 1968 - 69 when the temperatures plummeted to -50 degrees. He worked tirelessly nights and weekends to make sure people had their power restored ,often returning home with a frozen mustache.

He held various jobs with Washington Water Power culminating in being a plant supervisor in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. He felt that to be a good manager a person needed to know how to do all of the jobs your employees did and he excelled at each task.

As a child he spent a lot of time at Priest Lake Idaho and in the 70’s he bought his piece of paradise at Steamboat Bay. He taught his kids and grandkids to water ski and make s’mores. After his second retirement he lived at the lake full time. He was a master of many trades and he could make or fix anything. Our favorite was his home-made riding lawnmower with a welded tricycle seat that promptly fell on the ground the first time he tried to sit on it.

After Mary’s death Dad was thrilled to find a new love and he married Robin (Kitty) Parker in 2022. Robin brought her bonus boys Josh, Jake (Marcela) and grandson Jace into his life. She survives him at their home in Hayden. He is also survived by his son Jim (Kelly) of Omak, his daughter Linda (Alex) McGregor of Pullman, his grandchildren Ian (Jessica) McGregor of Hooper, Kate (Scooter) Lyle of Cheney and Emily McGregor of Hooper. He also has 12 adorable great grandchildren, Abby, Gen, Lillian, Olivia, Scarlett, Willa and Alexander McGregor; Claire, Collin, Adele, Isabella and Elizabeth Lyle. He also leaves behind his loyal rescue dog Lulu who was always by his side, especially during his daily afternoon bike rides.

He requested there be no service. We wish to thank all of the wonderful folks at Hospice of North Idaho and the doctors, nurses and aids that so lovingly cared for him and the EMTs that gave him his last ambulance ride.

Donations may be given to Hospice of North Idaho 2290 West Prairie Avenue Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho 83815 or Kootenai Humane Society P.O. Box 1005 Hayden, ID 83835

Arrangements provided by Yates Funeral Home. http://www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.