Richard E. Sauter, 84

Dec. 5, 1931 – Oct. 9, 2016

Our beloved father, Richard “Dick” Sauter, passed peacefully on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 9, 2016. He was in the loving arms of his family during his transition into Heaven.

Dad was born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y., and was the youngest of three sons born to Anthony and Mary Sauter. He often talked about his wonderful childhood and the loving parents he was blessed to have. As a young man, Dad served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Shortly thereafter he graduated from Canisius College in Buffalo where he developed a love for education which became a lifelong pursuit. After graduation, he met a pretty young nurse who would become the love of his life. Her name was Marilyn and they were married in June 1958.

Our family eventually moved to Southern California and Dad continued his teaching career at Tustin High School where he was loved and respected by students and staff alike. Dad was more than a teacher, he was a mentor, a friend, and many looked upon him as a father figure. He was also a shoulder to cry on and someone his students could trust.

During this time, Mom and Dad raised a family of five children. Dad poured his heart into his family and we always knew how much he loved us. Mom and Dad had a wonderful marriage that lasted 31 years until the Lord called Mom home in 1991. Faith, family and friends helped pull Dad through the grief of losing Mom and we were all there to watch Dad graduate with his Doctorate of Education on the Malibu Campus of Pepperdine University. He was almost 70 years old and we were so proud of him.

Dad moved to North Idaho in 2001 to begin the next chapter in his life. It was divine intervention that brought Dad to his home on a beautiful lake with pine trees and the mountains he loved so much. He was near family and his home was always filled with joy and laughter. He enjoyed watching football, playing the organ, playing golf, going to the casino, and any time spent with his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to all.

He is survived by his five children, Lisa, Lynn (Mihir), Jeff (Melissa), Wendy and Tracy (Richard); his grandchildren, Joshua, Caleb, Jordan, Jasmine, Courtney and Ryan; and his great-grandchildren, Isaac and Morgan.

Dad left this world grateful for the life he had been blessed with, and after 25 years apart from Mom, Dad is now dancing with “his girl” again.

We would like to thank Hospice of North Idaho for their loving care and respect for our father. And for the support and comfort that was extended to our family.

Our family requests that any donations be made to Hospice of North Idaho.

English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Dad’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.