Dick Palmer

1924 - 2010

Dick Palmer, 86, of Palm Desert, Calif., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed peacefully away at home, November 14, 2010 after a long illness. He was born April 8, 1924 in St. Paul, Minn. to Walter B. and Edith H. Palmer. He attended St. Thomas Academy. In 1943 he joined Ice Capades and in 1944 he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and served as a Staff Sergeant. He was a Chief Control Tower Operator and Radio Instructor and was responsible for setting up radio and control towers while stationed in the Aleutian Islands, Montana, Wisconsin and Texas. Following his discharge, Dick rejoined Ice Capades as Technical Director and met and married Rita Dallas, Production Coordinator. They had two daughters, Dianne and Patti, and they traveled on tour throughout the United States, Canada, England, Australia, Mexico and Russia. Dick became President and CEO of Metromedia's Entertainment Division, which included the three touring companies of Ice Capades, the Ice Capades Chalets Ice Skating rinks and The Harlem Globetrotters. He then went on to become President and CEO of Metromedia Technologies and consultant to other Metromedia Holdings, where he continued his travels to Europe, New Zealand, Japan, China, Indonesia and many other countries. Dick was inducted into the Ice Skating Hall of Fame for his many contributions to the world of Professional Ice Shows. His many papers and memorabilia are on display at The Palmer Collection, The Briscoe Center for American History of Traveling Entertainment, at The University of Texas at Austin. With his electrical engineering background, Dick also designed many lighting effects still used in the entertainment industry today. Dick made many and long lasting friendship throughout his career and long after his retirement, his employees still refer to him as "the strong but fair leader". When they were at their home in Encino, Calif., Dick loved nothing more than waking early, cooking a big breakfast and making sure the family was awake, whether they wanted to be or not, by singing at the top of his lungs in the most beautiful tenor voice. At the many parties he hosted in their homes, it was not unusual for him to signal the end of the party by entering the room in his pajamas and robe, and singing "The party's over", at which point, the guests and Rita continued the party with or without him. Dick had a great sense of humor and was always the life of the party. After his retirement, Dick and Rita moved from Encino and split their time between their homes on Balboa Island, Newport Beach, Calif. and at Ironwood Country Club, Palm Desert. They continued to travel throughout the world with their many friends and family. During his free time, Dick enjoyed restoring antique cars and radios, golf, gin rummy, and his boat in Newport Harbor. He loved going to the movies and he loved his visits with his grandchildren, and entertaining his many friends. His first sky diving experience was at the age of 79. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Nancy Ross. He is survived by his wife, Rita; daughters, Dianne Walker and Patricia Mackie and her husband Robert; grandsons, Matthew Walker, Michael Walker and his wife Nikki; granddaughter, Melissa Mackie; great-grandson, Austin Walker; as well as several nieces and countless friends. Dick requested no funeral service and the family has requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to VNA Hospice Association, 42600 Cook St. Suite 210, Palm Desert, CA 92211 or to the charity of your choice.
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