Richard Lee 'Dick' Chittim, 59

Richard Lee “Dick” Chittim passed away at his home in Corvallis, Oregon, in the early morning hours of April 9, 2016.

On May 18, 1956, a little red-headed boy was born to Harold and Alta Chittim in Kalispell. He joined a brother and five sisters to make the family complete. Being the youngest, he was adored and loved by all six of his siblings throughout his life.

From early in life, Dick loved his cats and dogs, and they would be an important part of his life through the years.

He attended Edgerton School in Kalispell until his family moved to Eugene, Oregon, where he completed his education. Part of his heart always stayed in Montana and towards the end of his life, he wished for one more visit there.

Upon moving just north of Eugene to Corvallis, Oregon, he married Jeri Vansickle, started his family and began Chittim Construction, where he built many homes in the area.

He loved spending time with his children, Robby, Kristi and Britnee and taught them the love of the out of doors as they built many memories camping, riding motor bikes and fishing. Sitting around the campfire made many memories that the family will cherish forever. His children were the light of his life, and when the two grandchildren arrived on the scene, Kaylee and Tanner, he couldn’t have been happier. When his health forced him to retire, and he had to spend most of his time at home, he loved the “sleep overs” and movie nights that he had with the two whom he loved more than life itself. He lives on through his children, and the love he had for them will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Dick’s bond with his siblings flourished through the years, and they became closer as they survived the death of their parents and two siblings. “Uncle Dick” could do no wrong in the eyes of his nieces and nephews, and he will always be missed.

His life-long friends from Kalispell to Corvallis were an important part of his “social networking” as life became harder and harder and he lost the ability to move around much.

As his life was coming to a close, the song “I Can Only Imagine” brought much comfort to him, and he dreamt Jesus was there with him. And we know he heard “Well done, good and faithful servant” as the Lord picked him up and carried him home.

Dick was preceeded in death by his parents, Harold and Alta Chittim; sister, Junie Holley, and brother, Buck Chittim; nephew Horace Paul Holley III; in-laws Ron and Mary Vansickle and brother-in-law Mike Vansickle.

He is survived by his wife, Jeri; son, Robby Chittim, daughters, Kristi Chittim and Britnee Bressler and husband Nico, and his grandchildren, Kaylee and Tanner Penter,all of Corvallis; sisters, Billie and Gordon Herron, of Harrington, Washington; Annie and Steve Hill, of Maple Valley, Washington; Phyllis and Al Lauckner, of Moses Lake, Washington; Mary and Stan Timperley, of Vancouver, Washington; brother-in-law Buck Holley, of Hartford, Alabam; and sister-in-law Sandi and Tom Hering of Corvallis, Oregon.

He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and several nieces and nephews. Nephew Brian Chittim’s support, encouragement, kindness and assistance through these months was a huge comfort to Dick. Many, many friends survive him and find it lucky they knew such a wonderful kind-hearted and gentle giant.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on April 22, 2016, in Corvallis, Oregon.