Richard R. Gulman Jr., 90

Richard R. Gulman Jr., 90, of Sandpoint, Idaho, passed away Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, in Careywood, Idaho.

Graveside funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Rathdrum, Idaho. Arrangements are by Coffelt Funeral Home.

Dick was born in Norwalk, Calif., to Richard and Anita Gulman on May 4, 1926. He had one younger brother, Robert. He married Carol Dewell on June 30, 1950, in Big Bear, Calif. He graduated from Excelsior High School in 1944, the same school his mother and all four of his sons attended as well. He also graduated from Fullerton JC. He was self-employed installing concrete and later epoxy flooring until retirement.

He was an Army veteran of World War II proudly serving in the 7th Cavalry Regiment, seeing combat in Luzon, Philippines, and was awarded the Purple Heart, as well as the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars.

Dick was an avid sportsman his whole life, playing baseball and football in high school and baseball in college. He also played AAA Softball and enjoyed coaching a women’s softball team. He later became interested in archery and was a Charter member of the Oranco Bowman Archery Club. He was a bow hunter for more than 40 years hunting deer, Russian boar, black bear, muskox, javelina and grizzly among others; all hunted only with a bow. He has had many records in the Pope and Young record book.

In his later years, he gave up hunting and took up feeding bear; yes, feeding bear! He was known as the Bear Man of Sandpoint and took great pleasure in welcoming people to his cabin to show off his new talent. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game didn’t like what he was doing, but the many visitors who got to witness Dick feeding a 400-pound black bear a doughnut from his mouth were enthralled. He kept a running record of how many times he fed a bear by mouth — 1,781 at last count.

Richard is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55+ years, Carol Gulman; his son, Richard R. Gulman III and his son, Timothy Gulman.

Richard is survived by his sons, Jory (Denise) Gulman of Careywood, Idaho, and Gary (Julie) Gulman of Hayden, Idaho; daughter-in-law Carol (Bernie) Beard of Post Falls, Idaho; grandchildren Rick (Kris) Gulman IV of Hamilton, Mont., Carie (Brian) Hamilton of Athol, Idaho, Jillian (Scott) Carlsson of Spokane Valley, Wash., Janna (Joe) Ploetzner of Sitka, Alaska, and Kandi Gulman and Stevie Gulman of Hayden, Idaho. He was also the proud great-grampa of Madison, Gracie, Aylin, Parker, Kassidy, Sam, Henry, Rory and Ricky. Also many loving nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to Auburn Crest Hospice of Coeur d’Alene for their loving care of Richard in his final weeks. We would also like to thank the wonderful staff of Stacey’s Restaurant in Sagle and the ladies from Snyder’s Bakery in Coeur d’Alene for treating Dad like family for all these years. And also a special thanks to Bernie Moser and Steve Armstrong for all the things they’ve done for Dad over the years.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book, for Richard, at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Coffelt Funeral Service.