April 20, 1924 - October 09, 2012
On Tuesday October 9, 2012, Richard â??Dickâ? Ervin, husband, father, grandfather, WW II Pilot and successful business owner died peacefully in his sleep in Spokane Valley at the age of 88. He leaves behind his loving wife Geneva Rickel-Ervin of 19 years; his son Richard Ervin â?? partner Philip Blumstein; daughters Genevieve Ferraro - husband Rick, Kelley Kramer - husband Mike; extended family Jerry Rickel, Glenyss Holmes, and Jeff Rickel - wife Ann. He is also leaving behind five grandchildren Richard Ferraro, Elizabeth Kramer, Michael Kramer, Marc Ferraro, and Benjamin Kramer; extended grandchildren, Shanyn Wasem, Steven Rickel, Jennifer Hawkins, Kelli Rickel; and great granddaughter Karsynn Hawkins. Born and raised in Spokane, Washington he was the son of Carl and Agnes Ervin. Dick graduated from Lewis and Clark High School and became an avid skier. Affectionately known as â??Ervâ? on the slopes, he achieved a position of alternate on the Olympic ski team. He served in World War II in Europe from 1943 to 1946 as a pilot in the Army Air Corp where he flew B17s. After returning from WWII he continued to avidly ski and met the fun-loving Genevieve Lagler on the slopes of Mt. Hood. They married on September 10, 1948. In 1956 Dick and Genevieve moved to Washington, D.C. where all three of his children were born. In 1963 he and his family moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil where he worked for Hyster Company. From their four years in Brazil the family learned to speak Portuguese, travelled and formed many long-lasting relationships. Upon returning to the United States, Dick worked for Hyster Company in Chicago, IL. In 1969 the family moved to Des Moines, IA where he was employed at Iowa Machinery and Supply Company. He purchased the company in 1975; it thrived and was a very successful endeavor until he sold it in 1990. With Genevieveâ??s passing and Dickâ??s retirement he relocated to Spokane, Washington where he was raised and always spoke of returning. After moving from Des Moines to Spokane he rekindled a friendship with Geneva Rickel and they were married in April of 1994. While having such a grand time they almost missed their wedding! Geneva and Dick travelled, danced, and lived life to the fullest. Rarely thinking of himself, Dick was kind, supportive, encouraging, and he loved his family with all his heart. In lieu of a memorial service or funeral his ashes will be spread on beautiful Lake Coeur Dâ??Alene where he loved to fish and boat. His love, passion, and guidance will be greatly missed and is a tribute to his life. Instead of flowers or donations, behave yourself, have fun and take care of your family. We Love you Dad and Grandpa/Papa!
