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Richard "Dick" Blythe
1934 - 2019
Richard "Dick" Blythe
1934 - 2019
Obituary
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Richard Blythe Obituary
Richard "Dick" Blythe
VALPARAISO, IN - Richard "Dick" Blythe, age 85, of Valparaiso, IN, formerly of Griffith, IN passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2019. He was born on June 10, 1934. Dick was a man who lived his life with "no regrets". He was a man of integrity, generosity, kindness and involvement who had a charismatic personality and contagious sense of humor. Dick was a well-respected businessman/owner of Blythe's Sport Shop, as well as a leader and recipient of many awards.
Dick was a Chairman of The Calumet Region Sportsmanship committee; Hammond High School Sports Hall of Fame; Past President of Griffith Rotary and Chamber of Commerce; SIU Hall of Fame/Distinguished Alumni; Recipient of Outdoor Life's: 25 People Who Have Changed the Face of Hunting and Fishing; Awarded the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash; Chairman of the Indiana Grand Kankakee Marsh Restoration Project, which led to a 200-acre parcel of land being named The Dick Blythe Wetland Conservation Area.
Dick participated in basketball and track at Hammond High School and Southern Illinois University. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sporting events, photography, eating butter pecan ice cream, and spending time with friends and family. Dick is survived by Iola Blythe, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, who has supported him in all his endeavors. His four children: Lester (Sue) Blythe; Carrie Blythe; Mike Blythe; Rodger (Susan) Blythe; "Papa's" ten grandchildren: Amy Blythe (Sam) Argersinger, David (Rachel) Blythe; Tricia Harris, Trent (Lisa) Harris, James (L.K.) Johnson; Kyle Blythe, Jody (Eric) Landis, Katy (Zach) Robinson; Ryan (Patti) Blythe, Tarin (Alex) Tsirtsis; fifteen great-grandchildren: Porter, Cayia, Tanner Blythe; Nadia and Amira Mikasser, Maylee Harris; Brynlee and Addie Landis; Aubrey and Tyler (T.J.) Robinson; Mae and Ryan (Jr.) Blythe; Mila, Jillian, and Marino Tsirtsis; sister, Sharon (Tom) Saunders; his "like a brother" cousin, Ross (Phyllis) Blythe, and many nieces and nephews.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Ethel Blythe; in-laws, Irvin and Iola Clark; and sister, Doris Combs.
As we celebrate Dick's life, his Christian faith assures us that he will be reunited with many family members and friends that he has missed and have gone before him. If you knew Dick Blythe, you knew he was the ultimate "jokester"! His wisdom, personality, love for life, (and a few jokes) will remain in the hearts of those who knew Richard Blythe. "To know him, was to love him!"
The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dick's healthcare providers, friends, family, and VNA Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sharing Meadows, 388 E. Division Rd., Valparaiso, IN 46383 or Seven for Good (Haiti Medical Mission Group), 370 W. 200 N, Valparaiso, IN 46385.
Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at GEISEN FUNERAL, CREMATION & RECEPTION CENTRE, 606 E. 113th Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
A Celebration of Life/Funeral Service will be held on Monday, October 28, 2019 at the funeral home at 11:00 AM with Rev. Bill McClure officiating. There will be additional visitation one hour prior to the service from 10:00 AM–11:00 AM. Services will conclude at the funeral home with cremation to follow.
To view/sign Dick's online guestbook, visit www.geisenfuneralhome.com 219-663-2500.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mike Hillman
October 30, 2019
To all the boys I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I grew up at that store and had great memories....from bb gun wars wearing hockey equipment when we cleaned the floors to the all night sales with the duck calls going for hours. I was just talking about the duck calls the other day with someone who remembered it here in Florida.. Your dad led a great life and the memories are forever.
KarnSue Faverty
October 30, 2019
So sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a great friend to my Dad. ( Bud Faverty) Your dad is spoken of with great fondness in our family still to this day. I am sure you will miss him. Our prayers to your families. My God bless you all.
Dennis Crane
October 29, 2019
My condolences to Dick's family. He and I were friends through our Rotary clubs. Had some great conversations about firearms. I will miss him.
David and Donna Hardacker
October 29, 2019
Condolences to the entire Blythe family. Dick, Iola and the boys were always considered great friends during our years in Griffith. There wasn't a week that went by that didn't find me in the store for coffee and conversation. Even though we've been gone for years now, I often think about my old friends in Griffith. God Bless.
David and Donna Hardacker
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Jeffery Straight
October 28, 2019
So sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He and my dad were teammates @ HHS. My dad took me to Blythe's to get my first brand new baseball glove. Great memories of visiting the store and chatting with Dick.
Prayers to you all.
Bill Crook SR. Family
October 27, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to the Blythe Family on the loss of Dick. He was an outstanding family man and outdoor sportsman and sure will be missed by all.
October 27, 2019
My sympathy to the family. I''m a former nurse from Dr. Carpenter's office. We always enjoyed it when Dick came in he was so friendly and fun. A great friend to Dr. We loss both of them so sad for all who knew them. God Bless. JAN kAISER
Dan and Deborah Pavloff
October 27, 2019
Our sympathies to Roger and the entire Blythe family. A great guy has been taken from us. He will always be remembered fondly.
Dawn Straughen
October 27, 2019
May your memories and Love sustain you through your grieving. Love is eternal. ❤
Bill and Janice Fenimore
October 27, 2019
Remembering many fun times with Dick and Iola in Texas. Especially our rafting trip thru the Grand Canyon. Iola we will keep you in our prayers.
Dale Klemoff & Family
October 26, 2019
Grew up in Griffith - when we were kids and didnt have much money to buy a whole box of shotgun shells, Mr. Blythe would open several boxes of all different gauges of shells and would dump them in a wooden box and let us pick what we needed and charge us pennies for each, he turned many young men into true sportsmen and always gave everyone deals - I sure shot a lot of pheasants and rabbits with those shells, he will be truly missed by all.
Joe and lois Cannon
October 26, 2019
Our deepest sympathies to Mike, Les, and Rodger. Dick was such a friendly man who we enjoyed visiting with when we shopped at the stores.
Bill Baran, Jr.
October 26, 2019
Mr. Blythe was a kind, thoughtful and very generous man, a visionary! We all have our mentors and multiple associates who have helped us in our lifetime whether it's in regards to a life or a career situation. He gave me some great advice when I was 18 years old and I feel it has helped me both in life and especially in my working career. Although I haven't spoken to him in a very long time, his words were always with me. Now the part that makes me laugh,... he got me so many times on "pranks." SO many times. I've tried to recreate them on others, but it just wasn't the same. I do not possess his great smile and that very appealing laugh when "he got you." It's the best "giggle" in the world. "He's a much better man than I'll ever be!" My deepest condolences to the family. "May God Bless."
Tom Johnston
October 26, 2019
Gave me my first job...Always quick with a joke, sharp wit..Thank you for touching my life..
Landa Chaffer
October 26, 2019
Carrie & family, so very sorry . Love & prayers, your bank, friend Landa
Lee & Sherry Bollhorst
October 25, 2019
Roger & Susan, truly sorry for your loss. Dick loved pulling my chain and I his.Nothing but great memories and will miss him but thank God for his friendship. RIP
Bob Fenimore
October 25, 2019
Remembering Dick when he visited Alice and Bob in Ft. Worth. His great sense of humor and fun loving antics will long live in our memories,
October 25, 2019
We remember Dick fondly from Suburban Bible Church. Our condolences to the family.
Dick and Mary Beth Peach
Dorothy Konopasek
October 25, 2019
Dick was a fun loving guy-always has a smile for Bob and me when we entered his shop-he would tell me I won the fishing contest-he will be missed
Phyllis and David Todd
October 25, 2019
Hugs to all the family. Uncle Dick will be greatly missed.
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606 E. 113th Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307
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