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Sep 5, 1947 - Feb 5, 2015
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard F. "Rick" Latimer on Feb. 5, 2015, in Reno, Nev.
Born in Claremont, Calif., on Sept. 5, 1947, to Dick and Pat Latimer, he was the first born of four children. Rick first came to Paradise Valley in the summer of 1965 with his friends John Birnie and Mike Gonzalez to work in the hay fields during college. He came every summer while in college and his last year, while working for Ken Buckingham, he realized his love for Paradise and made it his permanent residence.
In the early 70s, Rick began his own business as a harrowbed contractor. He soon expanded to contract out dumptruck and backhoe work. He also worked for many of the ranches around the valley. For the past 25 years, Rick managed the DH Ranch along with his cattle and contracting business.
He was a very active member of the community of Paradise Valley. He served on the P.V. Weed Board, Sewer Board, and was a member of the Odd Fellows, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and the Santa Rosa Basque Club, but was most passionate about the Paradise Valley Fire Department, serving as chief for more than 25 years. He was a staple to the Paradise Valley community and will be impossible to replace.
Rick is survived by his mother, Pat; brother, Mark; sisters, Janice and Joannie; many aunts and uncles, all in California; stepson, Frank Avera (Elise), of Reno; stepdaughter, Stephanee Dins (Jeramy), of Winnemucca; four grandchildren - Nikki, Gage, Ryan and Teya; and great grandson, Kaden. He leaves behind many close friends in Paradise Valley who will surely miss their "mayor." Per Rick's request, there will be a celebration of life and barbecue at a later date in the Paradise Valley Firemen's Park.
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David Krause (1965)
Rick was a true friend. He was a compassionate and a devoted man. I admire Rick for all the good he provided throughout the years for all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
Oscar Srader (Pearson) (1965)
Sorry to hear of Rick's passing. What a great and serving life he lived. I am honored to have been a classmate of his and my prayers go out to his family.
Terry Muskavitch (1965)
i remember rick well. we had a couple of adventures together. so sorry to hear of his passing. reading his bio it sounds like he had found a lovely place to live and had a life full of good family and friends, and was happy. i will remember the big guy with the good grin.
Vivian Stephenson (Perrett) (1965)
Did you ever know a kinder, more thoughtful, caring person? Rick and I first became friends when we were ten years old, often riding on a homemade go cart, which broke down each and every Saturday. Rick never made me push. We've kept in touch throughout the years, sharing the good and bad in life. His health has been poor for some years, and I am happy he is released from that. May his sweet soul rest in joy and peace.
Thomas "Tom" Green (1964)
I just learned of Rick's passing this past week. I worked with Rick in Paradise Valley in the 1960s and visited him often for many years after, although lately we lost contact. He was a great man. Kind, helpful, yet a tough guy who worked hard. He loved Paradise Valley and was a real asset to the community. So sorry to hear about his death.
Tom Green, Class of 64.