Notes for: Richard Shearer Bodine
From Ronny Bodine:
Obituary, The Moscow-Pullman Daily News (Moscow, Idaho) of 20 April 2007.
Richard Shearer Bodine died Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Lewiston. Richard was born Aug. 3, 1920, in Lewiston, the youngest child of David and Elizabeth Shearer Bodine. The family lived in Craigmont during Rich's early years and then relocated to Pasadena, Calif. When his father became ill during Richard's late grade-school years, the family returned to Lewiston. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1939. Richard was a member of the Lewiston National Guard from November 1938 until his unit was called up during World War II, and he became part of the regular Army. He served in the South Pacific. He was wounded on Biak Island in 1944, and continued to serve until 1945. He received the Purple Heart during his service. Upon his release from the Army he attended the University of Idaho where he was a member of the Alpha Tao Omega Fraternity. Rich worked for Brotherton's Office Supply in Lewiston until the late 1950s, when he opened his own office supply store in Lewiston. Rich operated this business through the late 1960s before moving to Renton, Wash., where he worked for Boeing in Seattle. When Rich's aunt, Virginia Shearer, needed help in her home, Richard moved back to Lewiston where he was a caregiver for Virginia. After suffering a stroke in 2001, Rich resided at the Veterans Home in Lewiston where he was well taken care of. Rich was a bachelor who enjoyed a good game of darts, pool or backgammon with his friends. He was known to take in boarders in need of a place to stay. He opened his home to two of his great-nephews from Honduras, who lived with him while continuing their educations. Richard was preceded in death by his sister, Caroline, who died at the age of 5, and his brother, David Bodine of Grangeville. He is survived by his nephew, David Bodine Jr. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 21, at Normal Hill Cemetery in Lewiston. Memorials can be made to Tri-State Memorial Hospital Hospice or to a charity of your choice.