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Richard D. VanLandingham, 70

Richard D. VanLandingham, 70 years old, of Spirit Lake, Idaho, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2019. He was born on Jan. 2, 1949, in Glendale, Calif.

He attended Barstow High School and graduated in 1967. He attended the University of California at Los Angeles, where he marched with the UCLA band, including playing in the parade scene in ‘Hello Dolly.’ He was also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Band Service Fraternity. He studied engineering for a couple of years before marrying Carla J. Conway and enlisting in the U.S. Air Force.

At the end of his four years with the Air Force, they welcomed a daughter, Heather VanLandingham Rowland (married to Michael Rowland.) Richard went on to work for Texas Instruments. They settled in the Dallas, Texas, area, where he obtained his bachelor’s from Southern Methodist University. Richard became the head of the calculator division in Texas Instruments and was then transferred to the plant in Johnson City, Tenn. While there, they welcomed their second daughter, Tamara Lee VanLandingham Downs (married to Greg Downs.)

Rick earned his MBA from ETSU. He traveled extensively over the next 20 years, ensuring the quality of products were above standard. They moved back to Texas with TI, where he became heavily involved in the emergency response tornado chasers group. They also joined First Christian Church Allen, where they spent many years actively involved as deacons and elders. He went on a mission trip to Mexico with his daughter, Tamara, and then became heavily involved in Habitat for Humanity and Carpenters for Christ.

Richard retired with his wife to Idaho, where they have a piece of land, a couple of dogs and horses. He maintained his interest in ham radios and became active in the Office of Emergency Management, where he directed emergency communications for missing campers and weather alerts.

He leaves behind five grandchildren: Sean, Sarah, John, Aidan and Rosalyn. More than anything, he loved his family and never ceased to brag about the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Speaking on behalf of his family and dear friends, although we sorely miss him already, we are incredibly grateful to have had such an extraordinary man in our lives.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Yates Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at Community United Methodist Church in Coeur d’Alene, with a brief graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery, in Spirit Lake, shortly after.

Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of arrangements. Please visit Richard’s memorial and sign his online guest book www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.