Richard Solem

Richard "Buddy" Solem was born June 21, 1926 in Chicago, IL to Earl
and Gladys Solem. Dick also known as "Buddy" was an accomplished speed skater, who twice won the prized "Silver Skates" in Chicago. Dick then went on to represent the United States at the 1948 winter Olympics in San Moritz, Switzerland. Dick married fellow speed skater, Patricia Nikoleit in 1950. He received his Bachelor of Science degree at the Northern Illinois University and later his Masters degree from Arizona State University. Pat and Dick moved to Arizona in 1957, where he became a highly respected Scottsdale science teacher. "Mr. Solem" taught at Scottsdale High School and retired from Saguaro High school in 1984. Long after retirement "Mr. Solem" still received notes and phone calls from his former students telling him of the positive impact he had made in their lives. His 8th grade class from Loloma still remembers unloading palm trees from the trunk of his car and planting them around what is now the Scottsdale Artist School. Dick was a long time member of Ascension Lutheran Church and had served as president of the church council, with many years devoted as a tireless volunteer. He was also a charter member of the Jackson Hole Breakfast Rotary Club, and a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity. An avid outdoorsman he loved spending time boating, hiking trails, snow skiing with his family in the Grand Teton's, Jackson Hole, WY, and most of all, introducing his grandchildren to the game of golf.
He was a former ski patrolman at Flagstaff's Snow Bowl and an officer of the Phoenix Ski Club. He also had a passion for flying his Mooney, and used his skill as a pilot as a volunteer for the Civil Air Patrol. For those who knew him, he will be remembered as a soft-spoken man with a dazzling smile and a penchant for silly jokes and a weakness for firecrackers. Above all else, he truly valued his family, friends and faith.
He is survived by his wife Patricia, daughters: Ann Solem and Susan Mims, Son-in-law Joe, Mother-in-law Virginia, Grandchildren Andrea, Nick, Tommy, Brothers: Robert, Earl, and his many nieces and nephews.
Our family would like to give thanks to all our friends and family who have supported us during the last 8 years as well as a special thanks to the wonderful staff at Hospice of the Valley, whose comfort and care has been invaluable. A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 9 at 5:00 pm at Ascension Lutheran Church, Paradise Valley. A reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Richard's name to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower, Phoenix, AZ 85014 or to Ascension Lutheran Church, 7100 N. Mockingbird Paradise Valley, AZ 85253. May God bless you Buddy, you will be greatly missed!