Obituaries-Largent

Rick D. Largent

Celebration of the life of Rick (Richard) D. Largent, 55, was Wednesday at the Kramer Funeral Home in Palouse with his uncle, Ed McBride of Colfax, and the Rev. Lee Nicholson officiating. Burial followed at Freeze Cemetery north of Potlatch.

Mr. Largent died last Wednesday, March 6, 2013.

Born July 13, 1957, in Spokane to Gary Lee (John) and Ardis Lavoy Largent of Potlatch, he grew up on the family farm north of Potlatch and graduated from Potlatch High School in 1975. He attended night school to obtain his journeyman’s license while working for an electrical firm. He then started his own electrical contracting business, Largent Electric, eventually relocating on Robinson Park Road near Moscow. Among the many projects Rick’s company completed were the Lewiston Walmart store, Tri-State Hospital expansion in Clarkston, Jennings Elementary School remodel in Colfax and numerous jobs on the University of Idaho and WSU campuses.

Rick married in Potlatch and adopted his new wife’s two children, Jason and Angela. A third child, Sarah, was born to that union. The marriage later ended in divorce, and Sarah died of cancer at age 17.

In 1995, Rick was paralyzed from the chest down in an accident. He had limited use of his hands and in time was seen “pushing” up and down Robinson Park Road to keep in shape. He was able to eventually return to running the electrical business but his physical limitations eventually forced him to close it.

Rick enjoyed playing guitar, writing songs, inventing and spending endless hours on the computer. He learned to drive a specially-equipped van that would accommodate his powered wheelchair.

As a young adult, Rick joined with two other musicians to form a country/western band that played frequently at local bars. When Sarah was about 13 she and Rick went to Nashville.

Rick was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, and after his accident became a spokesman for diabetes research and treatment. He was a guest speaker—from his wheelchair—at conferences in Florida, Denver and San Diego, and was presented the Lilly Diabetes Journey Award for 25 years of successfully managing his diabetes.

Surviving are his father, John Largent and wife Lois of Moscow; a son Jason of Portland; a daughter, Angela Helmke of Moscow; a sister Sharon Montgomery of Potlatch; brothers Terry Largent of Potlatch and Todd Largent of Lewiston, and four grandchildren.

Memorials may be given to the Potlatch Ambulance Fund, Box 63, Potlatch, or to the Freeze Cemetery, c/o Sharon Stoll, 6220 Highway 95, Potlatch, 83855.