Richard "Dick" Compton

Richard Lee “Dick” Compton

July 22, 1933 – May 8, 2021

Senator Richard Compton passed away on May 8, 2021 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Born in Kendrick, Idaho to Stewart and Zora Compton. Dick grew up in Bayview, Idaho where his father worked to build Farragut Naval Training Station. While attending North Idaho Junior College, Dick met his life-long love, Janette Gail Mason. They were married in 1953 and the couple had three children; Richard, Debra, and Cynthia. Dick graduated from Gonzaga University and went on to work for IBM for 32 years.  Dick served as a Kootenai County Commissioner, and later in the Idaho State Senate until his third and final retirement. Dick was an avid traveler who harbored a love for the great outdoors.

Sadly, Dick has left us to walk the final trail. Wearing his favorite pair of old, weathered leather cowboy boots — the ones with the hole on the bottom from countless miles in the saddle and horse manure still clinging to the heels — he will meet his faithful horse Bill that will carry him to the ridge.  There he will be reunited with his son, Rick, and his brother, Dean, and countless friends and relatives. Being a natural communicator and vivid storyteller, Dick will soon have everyone talking about the lives they led and captivating them with tales from his own adventures — likely, with scotch in one hand and a cigar in the other.

Dick shared these words of wisdom to pass on: “You are an extremely lucky man if you have a good woman that loves you, friends that stand beside you, and a great horse to carry you to the ridge.” He had all these things and more and considered himself beyond fortunate.

As Dick signed off many times in his Christmas letters, “There is always a light in the window, and a seat at the bar. Love each other, and we will meet again.”

Please join us in celebrating a life well lived on Friday, May 28th, from 4pm to 7pm at the Hagadone Events Center located at 900 Floating Green Drive, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Rotary Foundation or Hospice of North Idaho.