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Richard Guenther, 56

Rick Guenther went to be with his Lord and Savior on Aug. 11, 2018, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was born in Seattle, Wash., on Sept. 2, 1961. He came to Coeur d’Alene at age 3 and grew up here. He graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School, where he played basketball and football. Following his years as a Navy diver, he graduated from Whitworth University with a degree in business management.

Rick was a very gifted individual, achieving in many various endeavors. He owned a fitness studio in both Coeur d’Alene and San Diego, Calif., before becoming a certified financial planner with Bank of America. He was a talented dancer, avid outdoorsman and snowmobiler. He excelled in all water sports, learned during his lifetime at the family cabin on Lake Pend Oreille. He was always rescuing animals, volunteering for the Union Gospel Mission and helping the elderly. He enjoyed cooking and baking — a love he learned as a child while making cookies with his mother, and as an adult, providing delicious food for many family gatherings and celebrations.

Rick played a large part in the creation and building of Stillwater Ranch, in Sagle, Idaho, owned by his mother and beloved stepfather — logging with the draft horses he so loved, trimming up the evergreens with the climbing gear he obtained during his time as a tree trimmer and installing some of the electrical components. He worked with support crew at the Draft Horse Show in Sandpoint, Idaho, and many parades in Coeur d’Alene. Rick had an outrageous sense of humor and was an accomplished mimic.

He is survived by his father, Robert Guenther; his mother and second father, Kaye and Bryan Ross; his sister, Rebecca Hamelink; brother-in-law, Craig Hamelink; uncle, Dennis Guenther; and best friend, Greg Espe. He was preceded in death by his beloved stepmother, MaryAnn Guenther.

The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018, at the Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel. You may visit Rick’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.