Richard Lee Chittester

Richard Lee Chittester 73, USAF Ret. Major

 Richard Lee (Ric) Chittester, 73 died peacefully on August 4, 2024 in Coeur D’Alene ID. Ric was born in Dubois PA on October 25, 1950 to Richard Dale Chittester and Sybil Phyllis (Town) Chittester. Ric was loved by his family and friends and was appreciated for his commitment to others and his quick wit. Ric’s family moved several times and finally settled in Glendale Arizona. He attended Northern Arizona University earning two degree in music education and music performance, studying saxophone. Ric met his wife Toni (Berryman), a music student at NAU, and they were married in 1979 in Flagstaff AZ. They cherished each other, enjoying 45 years of marriage. Ric became “Dad’ to their daughter, Lee, while in Colorado Springs and adored his “Lee Bug.” Together they enjoyed fishing, skiing, bike riding, reading nightly stories and making peanut butter fudge which became a favorite pastime. He later became a loving father-in-law to Lee’s husband, Alan McCormick and “Gramps” to his sweet grandson, Jason McCormick

 Ric served his country through 20 years of military service in the US Army, Army National Guard and USAF (Air Force) at many duty stations home and abroad before retiring as Major in 1994. He and Toni settled in Mead WA for 23 years enjoying and raising Lee, then moved to Coeur D’Alene ID in 2015. After his military retirement, Ric worked in retail photography and instructed skiing. He later became a band director for the Diocese of Spokane teaching instrumental music to young students. Ric also enjoyed playing saxophone in several local big band jazz ensembles. He also graciously supported Toni by singing in various church choirs she directed.

 Ric loved outdoor pursuits including horsemanship, fishing, skiing, cycling and golfing with Toni throughout their life together. In later years, they took up new interests together, studying cello and viola, fly-fishing and ultimately being drawn to horses again. Ric was an aviation enthusiast collecting books on aircraft, building models of aircraft and tanks, drawing beautiful and precise illustrations of aircraft with pencil, and volunteered at local aviation museums. He traveled frequently in his military career and enjoyed travel with Toni, family and friends to Kauai, Alaska, England, Scotland and Canada. Ric was infamous for his wit and dry sense of humor. He excelled in his story-telling and delivery of jokes and “zingers.” Ric spent at least 15 years compiling his only book, The Partially-Illustrated History of the Weather Rock Part II, a spoof on World History detailing the important use of Weather Rocks throughout the ages. His son-in-law, Alan, recently edited the entire volume and had it published as a gift to Ric which meant the world to him.

 His family is indebted to the staff at The Lodge at Fairway Forest, and Advanced Care Hospice for their loving care and support to him and Toni through the challenges of dementia, and to all his medical and support team in Coeur D’Alene and North Spokane.

 Ric is survived by his wife Toni (Berryman) Chittester; daughter Lee McCormick; son-in-law Alan McCormick; grandson Jason McCormick; brothers Jeff Chittester (Melanie) and Keenan Chittester (Cindy); sister-in-law Bonnie Schwichtenberg; niece Erika Schwichtenberg-Miller (David); nephews Tom Schwichtenberg Jr (Mindy) and Matt Chittester. Ric was predeceased by his parents Dick and Phyllis Chittester, In-Laws: Dick and Lois Berryman, Rick and Sunny Berryman and Tom Schwichtenberg Sr.

 Memorial contributions honoring Ric may be made to Hope Reins Foundation, PO Box 2811, Hayden Lake ID, 83835, which assists children and adults through equine-assisted therapy, and brought Ric much happiness in his final months.

 A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, 3398 E. Jenalan Ave, Post Falls, ID 83854