Richard Mauzey, 88

Richard Earl Mauzey was born Feb. 7, 1918, to Earl Francis and Jenny (LeFevre) Mauzey at the family home on Woods Bay, and died Nov. 2, 2006, in Burley, Idaho.

Dick received his education at Bigfork and was a member of the first graduating class of Bigfork High School. After high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, eventually being sent to Hawaii and other places in the South Pacific. His last place of combat was on Leyte Island in the Philippines. He received his honorable discharge on V-J Day. Shortly after his discharge, he enrolled in National Schools in Los Angeles, earning a diploma in auto mechanics. He returned to Kalispell in 1950. He worked in the auto-mechanics business for the next 12 years and then was hired by the city of Kalispell to service the parking meters. He retired from this job in 1983 and promptly began a love affair with computers that lasted the rest of his life.

In 1951, Dick took square-dancing lessons and discovered the passion of his life. He could be found (with his dance partner of more than 50 years, Frances Madler) at dances all across the state on many nights of the week, always making it to work the next day. Dick took his responsibilities of citizenship seriously. He volunteered his time to many organizations. He was very involved in the political scene as an active member of the Republican Party and was the leader for the local John Birch chapter for several years. He also was a member of the American Legion, Flathead Post No. 7, where he served as commander. He was a member of the local Lions Club, volunteered for Meal on Wheels and was active in promoting Boys State.

He moved to Burley, Idaho, in November 2003 to be closer to family.

Dick never married, but took his duties as an uncle very seriously. His generous spirit of giving kept him involved in the lives of his niece and nephews, teaching them to drive and taking them on trips to places such as Canada, California and the Grand Canyon.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his brother, Gene (Helen) Mauzey, of Burley, Idaho; niece, Shirley (John) Ramey, of Burley, Idaho; nephews, John (Tina) Mauzey of Kalispell, Steve (Linda) Mauzey of Canby, Ore.; six great-nieces and nephews; and six great-great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in Burley on Friday, Nov. 10, at Calvary Baptist Church, 515 W. 27th St., at 2 p.m. Urn placement will be in Kalispell at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., Burley, Idaho 83318.