Richard Mcdonald

RICHARD McDONALD IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Richard Smith McDonald, 86, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2009 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Richard was born in Salina, Utah, on November 13, 1923, to Lyle M. and Edna May Smith McDonald. Richard was born in Salina, but primarily raised in Provo and Orem, and graduated from Orem’s Lincoln High School. He attended Brigham Young University and South Dakota State College before his military service; he later attended classes at North Eastern Jr. College in Sterling, Colorado. Richard served in the Army infantry for four years throughout Europe during World War II, and was very proud to be a veteran. He was always learning about something new – education was very important to him. He loved to read and discuss the books he was reading. He also like to travel and explore new places. On January 6, 1949, he married Helen Jane Losee in Evanston, Wyoming. They later solemnized their marriage in the Idaho Falls Temple. During their nearly 61 years of marriage, they lived together in many towns, including: Provo, Dragerton, Moab, and Orem, Utah; Gallop, New Mexico; Sterling, Colorado; and Grand Forks, North Dakota before settling in Idaho Falls. During their years together, Richard and Helen raised three children: Larry, Kristine, and Scott. Richard was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a High Priest, served in various callings, and above all enjoyed serving as a home teacher. Richard was a lifetime member of the VFW, a life member of the Elks, and a Rotarian in the Rotary Club for many years. He was a director at the Development Workshop and he was president of the Northwestern Cable Association. Richard was also very proud to be an Eagle Scout. Richard worked in a variety of occupations before making a career in cable television. Earlier in his life, he was an insurance salesman, a coal mine mechanic, and a car salesman. His start with the cable television business began while helping establish KURA radio in Moab. He set up and managed the cable TV stations in several cities before arriving in Idaho Falls. Richard worked for many years in the cable television business and retired from the TCI cable company in Idaho Falls. Survivors include his wife, Helen; son, Larry R. of Santa Ana, CA and daughter Kristine (James) Streeter of Layton, UT; seven grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Malcolm, and his son Scott. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 14, 2009, at the Idaho Falls LDS Eastview Ward, 2349 Virlow Drive, with Bishop John Irving officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6 - 8 p.m. Sunday evening at Wood East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and 10 - 10:45 a.m. prior to services a the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Peggy McIntire So sorry to hear about Dick. I enjoyed working for him and with him. He will be missed. My prayers are with you all. Peggy Jenifer Jorgensen Dick was such a great example to me. What a loving and wonderful man. I knew him and Scott years ago at Teton Physical Therapy. I'm greatful for the knowledge that I will get to see them again. I will always remember him with great fondness. My prayers are with his sweet wife and family at this time. Greg and Maxine Belnap We knew Dick as a true gentleman. Thoughtful and kind. I know his family has been influences alot by this wonderful man. Dick has set a great example for his family and will be missed for many years. We are so happy to have known him. Mary Ann Wyatt lmwyatt@quickidaho.com Helen, I am so sad to hear about Richard. Please know that my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Mary Ann Wyatt