Richard Ross Calhoon

Our prayers and condolences to all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins. Uncle Richard will be missed dearly.
Matt Calhoon and Family

Facebook Messages:

Linda Coram: I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. What great memories I have of him when I taught 3rd grade next door to him. It was so fun visiting with him and remembering my time at Marcus Whitman when I saw you and your parents at the fair a few years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Kim Johnson Rath: All my love...so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Xoxoxo

Dan Dotson: You and your family our in our prayers. May the Lord comfort you and your family.

LeAnn (Kemp) Koepke: My family had so many wonderful time with your dad

Glynn Tate: My sincere sympathy. May our Lord grant you peace, comfort, and hope.

Janet Parsley Lydin: Your dad was such an amazing person...super dad, wonderful teacher and coach..keeping you and your family in my prayers!

Susan McCutchen Bowdoin: My heart reaches out to you and the rest of your family. I'm so glad that you have wonderful memories of the amazing dad he was. Please share my love with your mom, brothers and the rest of your family.

Laura Davis Cook: I am so sorry to hear this. Your dad was such a wonderful person.

Michael J Drougas (farrier): Carolyn,I'm so sorry to hear of your families loss. God called your Dad home and he in very good hands. He'll live on in your thoughts and in your heart. I only met him a few times, but I know he was a fine man because of the wonderful person you are. God Bless to you and your Family.

Mindi House: Very sorry to hear this sad news. He was my 5th grade homeroom teacher and one of my favorites. I have nothing but fond memories of your dad. God bless.

Julie Kessler: Sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was an awesome teacher and will be greatly missed.

Christina Doss Thornton: I am so very sorry for your loss! I am saddened and shocked! All my prayers for you and your family.

Carolyn's Tribute Poem from services:

10:00 p.m.
Our clothes dirty and wet.
As Dad coils the hose,
I lead a clean “Ibn,”
Now covered from ear to hoof in blankets and wraps,
To the barn.

Dad helps me reassemble the bridles
That I saddle soaped
And, looking at my boots,
Decides they do not shine enough.
He stays up and polishes them
For me.

In the morning, we’ll have to be up by 5:00.
Show starts at 8:00.
And I like to be there an hour early.
Dad gets up first,
Feed the horses,
Gives me that extra half-hour of rest.

During the months of preparation for this show,
He’s served as groom, critic, feeder, hauler, cleaner.
Once we arrive at the fairgrounds,
He plays “go-fer.”
Stays nearby to tack up the horse
Or hand me my hat.
And always stands along the rail
To watch.

It’s not just the work.
He has sat through my hours of chatter
Listening
to plans, complaints, dreams.

And it’s not just with horses.
He was my junior high basketball coach.
Taught me to drive.
Looked up words for me in the dictionary.
Shares my love of nachos.
And fills my life with laughter.

My biggest fan, my dad.
Cuts out every article about me from the paper,
And only wishes he could put in more.

Even nearing 60 years old,
He tried to see through his daughter’s perspective.

Daddy’s girl.
Of course I am.
For good reason.

Richard Calhoon. Or just plain Dick. A man like few others: true to himself and others, a man of his word, a friend forever, reliable, dedicated to all that is best for his family, his country, and those fortunate enough to have met him and to be considered his friend.
He suffered a crippling, near life-ending tragedy, but by his spirit, courage and determination he still achieved a productive life for himself, his family and society in general. What a man !!
We, his friends, will treasure his memory forever.
Gene Guyant (Las Cruces, NM)

I was so blessed to know the Calhoon family! I have Carolyn as a loved childhood friend and Mr. Calhoon as one of my very favorite elementary teachers. One of my best memories of Mr. Calhoon was that he always threatened to paddle me!! He never did but he always got me to behave by saying he would paddle me! He was one of the individuals that influenced me to go into education… I hope that I make a difference in children’s lives like he did!

We sympathize with you Mary Lou and children and take comfort in knowing that we will be with Dick again in Heaven. He was one of the nicest guys that I ever knew and worked with. We were very much looking forward to seeing him again at the Border Patrol Reunion at Laughlin, Nevada. Take comfort in knowing that he was one of the greatest. You are all in our prayers.
Len and Kay Matthys, Willmar, Minnesota

We are so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. I am glad I was able to see him and give him a big hug about a year or so ago when I happened to be at your yard sale. We remember him fondly during our years in Tieton and I want to express my condolences to Mary Lou and the family. My prayers are with you all. Love, Genie