Rich Post, 66

Richard (Rich) Alan Post was born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 26, 1949, and died from cancer on June 12, 2016, at Bonner General Health in Sandpoint, Idaho.

His parents Art and Marie and brothers Jimmy and Jeff Post preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie Hansen Post; a nephew, Tory Post; and his dog, Buddy.

His early childhood was spent in St. Louis with summers in the mountains of Colorado with “The Old Man” (grandfather), who taught him to be a storyteller and how to fish and hunt.

After college, where Rich studied graphic arts and design, he moved to Denver, Colo., where he met his beloved Jeannie. The couple left Colorado for Idaho in the early 1970s looking for clean air, mountains and water. They settled in Sandpoint doing odd jobs until they bought property in Cabinet Flats, built a cabin and started their dream of a simple life living off the land. In the 1980s, they left the cabin and moved to Hope.

Rich was a lifelong student of history. He was a voracious reader who studied maps and globes to understand the changes of borders and countries from ancient times to the present. He also was a war buff, which added to his historical knowledge. Rich had a memory that was the envy of all who knew him, and was very generous with his varied skills and knowledge. He was the “go-to guy” in the Hope and Clark Fork area.

In 1976, Rich and Jeannie met Ed and Nancy Kienholz and went to work for them making art, installing exhibitions, doing restorations and driving pieces of art all over the United States. Jeannie left the Kienholzes employ in the 1980s but Rich continued to be involved in everything Kienholz. Rich traveled the world doing their exhibitions and learned more of the histories of the countries he visited.

When Rich was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 he had to retire from his job with Nancy. However, he was always available for questions from the studio staff and even did some blueprints and models of museums for them.

He was a good man and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Rich’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.