|
Richard
Albert Schiffern, 61, of Idaho Falls, passed away
April 28, 2008, at his home after a long, courageous
battle with frontotemporal dementia. He was under
the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho.
He was born July 8, 1946 in Valentine, Nebraska,
to Charlie Alvah Schiffern and Gladys Mae Morrow
Schiffern. He grew up on the family ranch with his
7 brothers and sisters, where he spent his days
helping out on the ranch. He always said that he
didn’t like milk after having to drink milk
fresh from the cow. Dick attended Shadley Creek
Grade School, then went into the town of Springview
and graduated valedictorian from Keya Paha County
High School in 1965. Dick then moved to Lincoln,
Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska
– Lincoln where he studied chemical engineering,
graduating in 1970.
Dick met the love of his life, Jaci Ashworth, when
they were living in Denver. They were married January
22, 1972, in Idaho Falls, Idaho and then had their
first son Shadley in 1973 while living in Richmond,
Virginia. They moved back to Idaho Falls where Cory,
and then Alison were born. Dick worked as a chemical
engineer for Western Electric and then as a project
manager at the INL. He was a brilliant man and loved
the challenges his job brought. He was an amazing
leader, and was named Executive of the year in 1982.
As life progressed, Dick was always very involved
in the lives of his family and friends. His kids
were the light of his life. He coached sports for
all three kids, participated in Indian Guides and
Princesses, helped with school and science fairs.
He taught us how to ski, bike, fish, and learn.
Dick was very active and his natural athletic abilities
showed through in everything he did, playing all
sports, running a marathon, coaching, riding his
bike. He also loved to try new things – he
was game for anything. He took ballroom and country
line dance classes with Jaci, traveled around the
country to see performances of his kids and Broadway
musicals. He loved the mountains; when he moved
to Idaho he became an avid hiker, fly-fisherman,
and skier. He also loved to go to Island Park, snowmobiling,
sledding, and cross-country skiing.
He joined the Presbyterian Church in 1976 and served
as an elder and a deacon; he remained committed
to the church until the time of his death. He enjoyed
many close friendships through the church, and they
welcomed and nurtured him always.
He also remained close to his family in Nebraska,
making yearly trips out to see his mom and family.
The family trips floating down the Niobrara River
will never be forgotten. He loved Nebraska; nothing
made him happier than to watch Husker football,
and then play the fight song on the piano.
Even when Dick got sick, he maintained the same
exuberance for life. He took pleasure in small things
that are often taken for granted; long walks and
bike rides, feeding the ducks at the river, looking
at the wild animals around town. He was always ready
with a wave and a smile. His favorite part of every
day was his cinnamon roll and coffee at Mrs. Powells.
He was a gentle soul, and we all learned to appreciate
his new persona, and we loved him all the same.
We will all miss Dick; the sparkle in his eyes,
his easy laugh, the exuberance with which he lived
his life, the dignity with which he passed. He was
an amazing husband, father, brother, and friend;
we know that he will be watching down as his family
grows in his absence, and his presence will be sorely
missed. The space that he filled in our lives will
now become a permanent space in our hearts.
We truly appreciate all of the kindness that people
showed to Dick through such a hard time in his life.
He is survived by his wife, Jacilyn Ashworth Schiffern,
Idaho Falls, ID, children Shadley (Lynn) Schiffern,
Davidson, North Carolina, Cory Schiffern, Chicago
Illinois, and Alison Schiffern, Salt Lake City,
Utah. He is also survived by his siblings Bill (Linda)
Schiffern, John (Barbara) Schiffern, Tom (Michelle)
Schiffern, Janet (Dean) Hays, Mary (Robert) Peterson,
and Margaret Schiffern, as well as many nieces and
nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents
Charlie and Gladys, and his sister Martha Schiffern.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday
May 2, 2008, at the Wood East Side Funeral Home,
963 South Ammon Road, Idaho Falls, ID. The family
will visit with friends Thursday from 7 to 8pm and
Friday for one hour prior, both at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park. Condolences
may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his
name to Hospice of Eastern Idaho or a charity of
choice. |
