Richard A. Desmarteau

Devoted Husband, Father, Granddad, Entrepreneur, and Friend April 6, 1946 – July 10, 2025 Richard Allen "Rich" Desmarteau, 79, of Peoria, Arizona (formerly of Stockton, Kansas), passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on April 6, 1946, in Stockton, Kansas, Rich was the son of Noda and Edmond Desmarteau. A proud graduate of Stockton High School (Class of 1964), he went on to attend Emporia State University before serving in the National Guard. Throughout his life, Rich remained deeply rooted in his Kansas upbringing. He married the love of his life, Mary, on October 14, 1977. Rich was the very definition of a self-made man: intelligent, driven, and endlessly resourceful. His career was as dynamic as he was: from banker in Kansas to real estate and oil development in Kansas and Colorado, to ultimately building a successful automotive business in Arizona. Shortly after moving to Arizona, Rich co-founded Truckmasters. Following a fishing trip with his close friend David Pillor, Rich made the pivotal decision to take full ownership of the business and turn it into a family endeavor. With their sons, Blake, Dustin, and James, they later acquired Lifted Trucks and eventually merged the two companies, choosing to continue under the Lifted Trucks name. Under the boys' leadership, Lifted Trucks grew to new heights, something that filled Rich with immense pride. But Rich's most treasured role was being the rock and biggest cheerleader for his family. He was a loving husband, a fiercely proud father, and an ever-present granddad who attended every performance, game, and event. His love was constant, loud in its support, and quiet in its selflessness. He never missed a moment and never let a loved one forget how proud he was of them. Rich was known for his unmatched intellect and keen wit. A true sports guru, he could rattle off stats and game analysis with remarkable precision. He was well-read, a gifted problem-solver, and had an instinct for strategy that made him a financial genius to those who sought his advice. Rich was also a legendary fisherman and golfer. He earned numerous Master Angler Specialist awards in Manitoba, Canada, and was a two- time Club Champion at Woodmoor Country Club in Colorado and Club Champion at Kearney Country Club in Nebraska. At home, Rich was a gifted cook who loved good food and weekly family dinners; his meals were as memorable as he was. Rich's legacy is one of love, wisdom, humor, and devotion, and it will live on through the lives of those he shaped and supported. Rich is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Mary Desmarteau; his sons Richard Blake Desmarteau and wife Paula Desmarteau, Dustin Allan Desmarteau and his significant other, JulyN Gilchrist; and his cherished grandchildren: Mallory, Alivia, Summer, Delaney, Elle, and Wren, who all affectionately knew him as Granddad. He also leaves behind his brothers, Mike Desmarteau and wife Criss Desmarteau, and Kelly Desmarteau and wife Vickie Desmarteau, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Noda and Edmond Desmarteau, and his brother Merl Desmarteau. He is also survived by Merl's wife, Nan Desmarteau. A celebration of Rich's life will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Martin Auto Museum & Event Center (4320 W Thunderbird Road, Phoenix, AZ 85306), with a reception to follow. We will also be holding a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 6, at the St. Thomas Parish Center in Stockton, Kansas. All are welcome to come share stories, laughter, and love in honor of a truly remarkable man. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rich's memory to Suncrest Hospice or the Scottsdale Charro Foundation.