Richard (Dick) Golden Shutz
was born to Homer Sampson Shutz and Goldie Alice Sparhawk Shutz on November 29,
1934 in Boise, Idaho, joining older brothers George Arnold (Arnie) Sisson and
Donald Homer Shutz, and acquiring the childhood name, Ritz.
Dick's first job was
at the Boulevard Market from 1951 to 1953, where his many responsibilities
included meat cutter and operating the check stand. But a vocation in the
grocery business wasn't his goal. He developed his affinity for the Military
during high school where he held the highest position of leadership as 1st Lt.
of the JrROTC.
After graduating from
Boise High School in 1953, Dick enlisted and worked full time for the Idaho Air
National Guard from 1954 until 1981. He was a well respected NCOIC of the
Mission Support Squadron and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. He earned the
AF Achievement Medal, the AF Meritorious Service Medal, and many other
citations for his service to Our Nation and the State of Idaho.
His marriage to Joyce
Marie McCallister, (June 1955) awarded him another Title, "Dad", as
they brought three daughters into the world. Lynna Marie Bolton, Christy Ann
Shutz, and Holly Michelle Houston, though he called all 3 of them,
"Sis". His favorite, (yet futile) offer of fatherly advice was,
"Little girls are to be seen, not
heard", and taught them the words
to the song, "Daddy's Little Girl."
Dick and Joyce
divorced in 1962, and shortly thereafter Dick began dating Doris June Alspaugh.
And while it turned out "never meant to be" for the two of them, with
Dick's blessing, and Doris' grace and loving heart, she built and nurtured
close relationships with his daughters that continue to this day.
Dick's second
marriage, (July 1978) was to Colleen Marie McMurtrie. They started their life
together in Boise, then decided to head for the hills with Colleen's young son
David, and spent 25 years in the beautiful mountains and making lifelong
friends in Cascade,
Idaho. Starting with managing the Mountain View Motel,
(with Dick commuting back and forth to Gowen Field until his retirement from
the Service) and owning and operating the Lake Front Lounge, he finally ended
his bout with hard labor when he retired from the City of Cascade.
Due to Colleen
developing serious health issues, and the constant traveling from Cascade to
Boise, they decided to leave their "home" and move back down to the
Valley in late 2006.
Colleen's passing on
April 29, 2007 brought a few of Dick's own health issues to light, which he set
out to deal with head on. But
during the last 9 years Dick suffered a few
serious and life threatening crisis, putting him on life support and enduring
lengthy and exhaustive recoveries. He was referred to as a "miracle"
which both amused and amazed him. Either way, he had more life to live and live
his life he did!
As a younger man, Dick
enjoyed skiing, both water and snow. He hunted, played golf, and even into his
later years couldn't dismiss rumors of a great fishing spot!
He delighted his
daughters and others with his piano and accordion playing abilities, and was
gracious in his willingness to participate in a dance to "Put Your Little
Foot Right There".
Dick was a very proud
and staunch Republican. He also loved this country, the American flag, (which
still waves in the front yard today) and had great respect for all servicemen
and women.
He loved a mixed
drink, an ice cold beer, and his Sangria red wine, (for his heart!)
He was looking forward
to another summer driving his chariot (golf cart) around the acreage with his
elderly Imperial Shih Tzu Missy Colleen on the seat next to him, visiting with
neighbors passing by and counting sprinkler heads.
Dick passed away, of
natural causes, on Monday, April 16, 2018 at age 83, with his last request,
"Be happy for me."
He leaves behind a
great many friends and family members, including his daughters and Missy
Colleen, sons in law, Steve Bolton and Wes Ross, stepson David Hinkley, 9
grandchildren and their significant others, 7 great grandchildren, and his many
adoring nieces, nephews, cousins and in laws.
Along with all those
who helped Dick celebrate his 80th birthday, (fellow Service Members, etc.) and
the friends who for decades kept in touch, checked in, and visited Dick during
hospital stays, Owen Clouss, Dwight Ransford, Noreen Sharp, please accept a
very heartfelt thank you for your kindness and support.
To Dick's Primary Care
Physician Mandy Draper and staff, thank you for nearly 10 years of your
professional and excellent TLC of Dick. You put him at ease and he trusted you.
To the doctors, nurses
and staff at St. Alphonsus Hospital, you are Angels. Thank you for your
diligence to ensure Dick and his family had a safe haven and for all your
attention to their comfort.