Richard Gilbert Herman, 66
Richard Gilbert Herman, 66, passed away September 1, 2007.
Rich was born in Spokane, Wash., on Dec. 27, 1940, to Gilbert and Sally (Lewis) Herman.
After graduating from Rogers High School in 1959, Rich attended Whitworth College in Spokane and received a bachelor of arts degree in 1965. Rich was an exceptionally outgoing and caring person, making lasting friendships wherever he went.
After graduation, Rich pursued a career in teaching which sparked a life-long commitment to the education of children.
Not only did "Mr. Herman" dedicate himself to the sixth-grade students in his own classroom, but he also served on IEA and NEA committees to improve the quality of education throughout the state of Idaho and the nation.
Mr. Herman's dedication and compassion as an educator made such an impression on his students. Years after their own graduations, former students would eagerly recite remembered poems, singthe helping verb song, share a joke or other remembrance of their sixth-grade year, or just get a needed hug when seeing their teacher.
In 1968, Rich married the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Davis and in the process, gained a much loved daughter, Meile. In 1970, their joyful son, Rick was born.
This family of four enjoyed spending time at Priest Lake, visiting family in Oregon, camping on the Oregon Coast, spending time with family and friends in the Priest River area, and the general comfort of small town living.
Rich's passion for history, a second son, foreign exchange student Francisco Blanco, and a family tree with long branches led Rich and Pat to take an extended "bicycle" trip through England, Scotland, Whales, Ireland and Spain.
Because Herman understood the true value of people, he volunteered his time to various institutions and organizations within his community. He devoted hours to the long term care facility in Newport, where he was counted on to liven up bingo, play pinochle or fill in as Santa.
He spent hours serving as a friend of the library in Newport, volunteering at Priest River Elementary School, and helping organize car club events.
As a supporter of the Second Amendment, Herman became a benefactor member of the national Rifle Association. Cedar Hills Church in Sandpoint was another important part in Herman's life. He loved attending church services and gatherings with fellow members.
Herman is survived by his wife, Pat Herman of Priest River; daughter and son-in-law, Meile and Bob Harris of Hansen, Idaho; son and daughter-in-law Rick and Amy Herman of Priest River; sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Gene Johnsen of Citrus Heights, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Blake, Taylor, Jenna and Danya Harris, and Dylan, Gavin and Owen Herman; "the cousins," in-laws (known as out-laws by Herman) and nieces and nephews. Herman was preceded in death by both parents and an infant brother, Steven.
The family would like to thank their Cedar Hills Church family and the numerous friends and family that called or visited providing a source of comfort and companionship to Rich and Pat.
The family is especially grateful to Bonner Community Hospice for allowing Rich to live pain-free at home during his heroic battle with cancer.
A celebration of Herman's life will be held Saturday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m. at Pine Ridge Community Church (formerly Assembly of God), 1428 W. First St. in Newport.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Bonner Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1448, Sandpoint, ID 83864 or to the Priest River Library.