Richard Joseph "Pag" Pagoaga

1922 - 2015

Richard "Pag" Pagoaga
1922 ~ 2015
Richard "Pag" Pagoaga, 93, of Boise, died peacefully in his home on Friday, November 27, 2015, in Boise. He was born on October 11, 1922, in Boise to Ignacio and Marie Pagoaga. He was the eldest of four brothers and two sisters. They were very special to him. He was very proud of his Boise and Basque heritage. One of his fondest memories was when he was a young kid selling newspapers on the corner of 8th and Main in front of the former Eastman Building (now the Zions Bank Building).
Richard attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and St. Theresa's Academy where he graduated from in 1940. He then set off on an overseas adventure with his three closest friends, Murray Kidd, Joe Goicoehea, and George Rosandick to work for Morrison Knudsen building a Naval Air and Submarine Base on Wake Island in the South Pacific. Shortly thereafter, the Japanese attacked the Island and Richard and his friends became prisoners of war for four grueling years. All his fellow POWs formed a life-long bond and held annual reunions until their very end.
Upon returning from War World II, Richard moved backed to Boise where he meet his beautiful wife of 66 years, Kathleen Wilson, whom he loved dearly. They were married at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Weiser, Idaho. Richard then embarked upon a career in banking. First, with the Credit Bureau, then with the Bank of Idaho (now Wells Fargo), where he rose to the executive ranks. Many of Boise's iconic car dealerships and businesses got their start because this old fashioned banker believed the most important criteria for a loan was the character of the borrower. Richard and Kay had two children, Jill and Rich Jr. He was a wonderful father.
In 1985, Richard retired from banking and ventured into an active retirement. He exercised at the downtown YMCA three days a week up until three months before his passing. He really enjoyed visiting with his fellow members and the staff. In 1988, Richard, Murray, Joe and George took their sons Rich Jr., Bruce, Dan and Tim along with his brother Al Pagoaga (a Marine on Iwo Jima) and returned to Wake Island for a special POW reunion. It was an emotional yet extremely fun journey for all. He had a secret talent as a "pet whisperer" and watched cats and dogs for family and friends.
Richard and Kay visited the birth place of his Atatxi and Amuma (Grandpa & Grandma) at Arantzamendi in Motrico, Spain and attended the Boise Jaialdi Basque Festivals. For sixteen enjoyable years they partially wintered in Green Valley, Arizona with Kay's sister Dorothy Peterson. They also had extensive travels throughout the West, Europe, Mexico, and Hawaii and had several fun filled family trips to Hawaii and Cabo San Lucas with their son, their daughter-in-law Jeanne and granddaughter Abby. One of his greatest joys was being able to help babysit and spend time with his granddaughter. Richard was a tough and special man, who touched the lives of many.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother (our beloved Amuma); his brothers, Frank and Henry; sister-in-law, Dorothy Peterson; father-in-law, Oren Wilson; mother-in-law, Rosemary Wilson (our beloved Nana); and his darling daughter, Jill. Richard is survived by his dear wife, Kay; his son, Rich Jr.; daughter-in-law, Jeanne; granddaughter, Abby; brother, Al; sisters, Marge Campbell and Vickie Peterson; and the extended Yribar, Campbell and Wagner families. The family would like to give a special thanks to the Boise VA, Harrison Home Hospice and Trinity Home Care.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Our Lady of Rosary Catholic Church with interment at the Morris Hill Cemetery. Following his service, all are welcome to join us for a Basque luncheon at the Basque Center.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or your favorite charity. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Richard's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.