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Richard Cyril Morey, 81

Richard Cyril Morey, 81, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away on Sept. 17, 2018, in Hayden, Idaho. He was born on Aug. 5, 1937, in Milwaukee, Wis.; Richard was the son of Lyman and Laura (Stein) Morey.

Rich grew up and attended school in Wisconsin. He met and married Joan Binder at the age of 17, and together they raised six children. Joan passed away in 1997.

While working for John Deere Credit, Rich met the love of his life, Elizabeth, in Surprise, Ariz. They were married in 1998 and traveled the world together for the next 20 wonderful years.

Rich worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Neenah, Wis., from 1961 to 1976. He got his start in the RV business by owning and operating Loveland Auto-land RV in Colorado from 1976 to 1986. This was a family business, with his three sons helping with sales and service.

Rich moved to California and operated a Coachman store in San Jose from 1986 to 1989. In 1989, with an offer from John Deere Credit in Des Moines, Iowa, Rich became the western regional sales manager and moved to Surprise, Ariz., where he retired in 1999. He joined his son, Tim Morey, as a forest sales rep. in the western region in 1999, and retired from there in 2004. In 2004, Rich and Elizabeth moved to Coeur d’Alene, where Rich assisted his son, Ron Morey, with managing R&L RV; he finally retired in May 2018 when the store sold.

Raising six children didn’t leave much time for hobbies, but Rich did enjoy cooking, working on old cars and trucks, and of course, selling RVs.

Rich is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of Coeur d’Alene; his children, Scot Morey of Wisconsin, Carrie Morey of Colorado, Timothy Morey of Colorado, Ronald Morey of Idaho, Jennifer Morey of Colorado and Jacqueline Carroll of Colorado; sisters, Joan Ohm of Wisconsin and Karen Walker of California; and step-children, Derek Pedersen of Texas and Kristine Karney of Virginia. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Joan.

A friend of Rich’s recently shared this sentiment:

“Buddy, you have had a great life and a life that has helped many people be better, more productive people. I am one of those who have benefited greatly from your mentorship. I probably learned more about the RV business from you than anyone. I still remember walking into that Coachmen Co. Store in Sunnyvale in the fall of 1986 and listening to you ‘pontificating’ for hours while I was scurrying to take notes. Out of that conversation came the Coachmen Industries RV Finance program and from that many other Proprietary RV programs for John Deere and then of course the Bank of the West. You should have written the book ‘The Art of The Deal.’ They say the most important thing in life is the people we touch and the things we teach them, and the memories we leave behind. I will be eternally grateful for all you have done for me. You leave a great legacy of a family that enjoyed a great business mentor and a loving, caring father. God bless you forever! All the best and a hearty Thank You for what you have meant to my life. As you always said, ‘Those who know, know ... and those you know, know those who don’t know ...’ You knew and thanks for sharing. Rest comfortably. Love you Rich. Friends forever, Mark.”