Richard (Dick) Alan Semler

Richard (Dick) Alan Semler, 67, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph C. Semler (Clete) and Darlene B. Semler (Carpenter), and his brother, Leeroy C. Semler all of Colton, Wash.

Dick was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Lewiston, Idaho. on September 26,1955. He attended school at Guardian Angel St. Boniface and graduated from Colton High School in 1974. He grew up on his family farm on Wawawai Road in Colton. There were many memories of driving truck, tackling the backroads, and making sausage together as a family.

Dick worked as a Foreman at Dumas Seed Co from 1976 to 1990. In 1991, he began taking classes through Lewis Clark State College where he eventually earned a degree for his work as a journeyman at Western Printing.

Dick had four children of his own who he was very proud of. Marc Semler (Michelle Lee) of Phoenix, Ariz .; Sheena (Wesley) Kerr of Uniontown, Wash .; Tiffany (Garrit) Culver of Safford, Ariz .; and Scott Semler of Pullman, Wash. Dick cared deeply for Kathy's two sons as well, Kyle (Veronica) Hopwood of Clarkston, Wash., and Jimmy (Mekesha) Hopwood of Pelham, Ala.

Dick had a love for the outdoors that he shared with his children. There wasn't a summer that went by where you wouldn't find him taking the kids tubing on the Snake, camping at Wawawai or Nisqually, or up in the mountains by Elk River. He enjoyed his time at hunting camp with his "other" brother Billy (William Christensen), mud bogging in Elk River with Leeroy and friends and his time playing pool at Mingles in Moscow. He was described as the man who would give you the shirt off his back and the kind of person who loved his friends and family something fierce. You knew where you stood with Dick, and if you didn't..well, you didn't know Dick.

In May of 2000, Dick and Kathy decided that they were meant to be and as she would say, he was stuck with her. Dick and Kathy made many memories camping in their caveman and fishing the river. Some would even say they were better together. Dick and Kathy had a blended family of his four and her two children. They always welcomed the six kids, their families, and friends at the farm for cold drinks, snacks, or chats. Dick cherished his beloved grandchildren. He enjoyed their video chatting, farm visits, and hearing stories of their sports and school events. The grandkids had their Papa wrapped around their fingers. They loved hearing his stories of past times. He provided them many lessons on life and made some great memories with them.

Dick is survived by his love of 23 years, Kathy Hopwood, his children and grandchildren, his brother Ernie(Sue) Semler, sister-in-law Julie Semler, and nieces and nephews; Jeremy(Erin) Semler, Joseph Semler, Jenny Semler, Leesa and Jessica Semler.

A celebration of life will be held at Colton Gun Club on January 21, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Please bring your drink of choice as we toast to Dick. Corbeill Funeral Home of Pullman, Wash., has been entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Whitman County Fire District 14. Online condolences may be sent to http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com