Richard Jung Keller, 78

Richard Jung Keller, born Oct. 30, 1936, breathed his last Thursday, July 9, 2015, succumbing to heart failure while at Hospice House of Northern Idaho.

Born to Louise Marie (Huff) Keller and Earl Hastings Keller in Kalispell, Mont., Richard demonstrated a love of the outdoors and remained passionate about his home state of Montana all of his life.

Richard earned a living as a skilled office equipment mechanic and short haul trucker, working much of his career with locally owned Peirone Produce, and Food Services of America, retiring from the Teamsters Union. He resided in the cities of Spokane, (where he graduated from Mead High School), San Francisco, Kalispell, Coeur d'Alene and most recently, Post Falls. Though he would be the first to say he did not see active duty, he served in the National Guard.

Enjoying his "adventures," Richard named the Middle Fork of the Salmon as his favorite float trip, and rafted the river and other Idaho whitewater regularly through midlife. Religious about hunting, every fall he partnered with lifelong friends to hunt elk near Calder, Idaho. He recalled childhood fly-fishing in Placer Creek, Wallace, Idaho, a sport he enjoyed all his life. He drove friends and family to Glacier National Park, and explored other Montana landmarks such as the Centennial Valley, the Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone National Park.

Richard married Billie Rae (Chase) Keller and they had a daughter, Kimberley Ann. He later married Patricia Ann McCoy (then Keller) and they had a daughter, Kristine Denise Keller.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Earl Keller; brother John Robert Keller; wife Billie; and son, Russell E. He is survived by his daughters, Kimberley Ann and Kristine Denise Keller; grandchildren Travis Cook, Laura Graham, Kelly and Joshua Elmgren; great-grandchildren Ashlyn Rogers, and Hannah and Ayden Graham; and his half sister, Sharon Keller Stevenson.

Richard enjoyed an active faith life and was most recently a member of New Hope Christian Center. In Kalispell he worked and served at Christian Center, and Crossroads Christian Fellowship, Bigfork.

He was methodical, safety conscious, humorous, ornery, well loved, and is already missed. He particularly loved daisies.

A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, at New Hope Christian Center, 1108 N. Argonne Road, Spokane Valley, Wash., 99212.

English Funeral Chapel of Coeur d'Alene has been entrusted to handle final arrangements. Please visit Richard's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.