Richard Oliver Severson

1936 - 2025

Boise - You gave us love and laughter. Our beloved brother passed away August 6, 2025 in Boise Idaho. Richard, "Dick", was one of eleven children born to Oliver and Bernice Severson. Dick was born in Los Angeles, California March 15, 1936. In April of 1943, the Severson family moved to Santa Barbara. Always industrious, even at an early age, Dick's first employment was delivering newspapers in the Oak Park neighborhood. While in high school, he rode his motorbike every night, with his brown paper lunch bag in his teeth, to UC Santa Barbara, where he worked. He graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1954 and soon after joined the Navy. As a Signalman on the USS Kenneth Whiting [a seaplane tender] he did a tour in Laos followed by R&R in the Orient. Dick was proud of his service in the military. While in the Navy, his family, all but his two oldest sisters, moved to Whittier, California. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Dick chose to stay in Santa Barbara and began his employment in the grocery business. In 1965, and recently married, Dick and his wife, Phyllis, moved to Sun Valley, California. After their divorce, Dick moved back to Santa Barbara where he began employment with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office. He and his second wife, Zee, lived in Santa Barbara until moving to Boise, Idaho in 1976. There, Dick began a 24-year career as a District Deputy Marshal until his retirement in 2001.

Dick was very athletic and always seeking a thrill. While waterskiing he would lay over so far back and forth behind his Yellow Jacket ski boat that he could touch the water with his hand or elbow. His numerous trophies are testaments of his skills in golfing and bowling, which he enjoyed most of his adult life. Dick could spin donuts with many different motorcycles.

Dick was also a dedicated employee in various fields. But, his true avocation was in a world of cars, trucks and motorcycles. His first car, a '34 Chevy coupe, he received as a 16th birthday gift from his grandparents. Dick owned and dabbled in many custom and classic cars. He had the ability to find and restore, or sell, select old cars. (There are several great stories that belong to a couple of Cadillacs). His last car, and we believe his favorite, was a bright yellow '29 Ford roadster.

Dick also had a great love for the Boise State Broncos football team. His favorite picture was his '29 roadster parked on Boise State's blue football field. Regardless of the many fun-loving activities, it was easy to see Dick's love for his family. He was always ready to help or care for others in the family. He was not only a brother, but a mentor and often (crazy as he was in his young years) a father figure. With a wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude, Dick saw potential in things that others may not notice.

Then there were his culinary skills; some remember his spaghetti with enchilada sauce or his chorizo and eggs. But most memorable was his attempt at making donuts. With each amount of dough he took from the large mixing bowl, there was more dough in the bowl with each batch. (A bowl of overflowing love). He has made very good oatmeal-raisin cookies. While he could have prepared his own breakfasts, he enjoyed his coffee, breakfast, crossword puzzles and friendship at EggMann.

Dick leaves behind his siblings Marilyn Severson Abel, Carol Severson Lux Gordon, Lynda Severson Herreid, Lynette Severson Nirenberg, Roger Severson, Rodney Severson, Janet Severson Culliton, Barbara Severson DeNecochea and Dale Severson. He also had 24 adoring nieces and nephews, including Karen Maassen whom he considered a daughter. Dick's friends and family also include Rod and Pam Briggs who were always there for him. Also close to him was the Weirum family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Oliver and Bernice Severson and his brother Duane. Also preceding him in death were his nieces Patti and Jennifer and long-time friend and cousin, Ron Weirum.

Dick's ashes have been inurned at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. There will be a military service with honors September 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM. There will also be a memorial service for Dick at a future date at Oak Park in Santa Barbara. The Severson family extends a very big 'Thank You' to all of Dick's caregivers throughout many long months. You are very much appreciated!

Dick will always be remembered being full of life and laughter.