It is said that laughter is the best medicine. If this is true, then Dick was the best medicine of all! You could always tell how well he liked you by how much he teased and joked with you. Dick was also brave, serving courageously in the Vietnam War. He was hard-working, often working two jobs to support his family. You would often see him working in his garage and helping to pull weeds and pick up sticks from the yard, even when he was confined to a wheel chair.
Dick was also very loving. His wife, Shari, was his whole world. He always addressed cards to her by saying "To my angel," and he loved hurrying to say "I love you more!" just before he hung up from talking to her on the phone, just to make sure he had the last word. His two daughters were always his sweethearts. He made sure they knew this by giving them each a box of chocolates almost every year for Valentines Day, even when they were grown and married. Dick adored his grandchildren. He attended as many sporting events, dance recitals, and graduations as he could so that they would always know how much he loved and supported them.
Dick's family would like to thank Caregiver Support Network for the loving care they provided the last several years. They especially appreciate Nurse Marty, CNAs Gaylene, Jaslynn, Makenna, and Christie, and PT Kent who took extra special care of Dick. The family also would like to thank Chaplain Otto Johansson for his specials prayers for Dick and his family, as well as the VA for their care over the years.
To Staci, words cannot express the appreciation and respect the family has for the hours you spent by your dad's side. You selflessly gave your time to take him to doctors appointments, to be at the house to help him and your mom when he was put on hospice, and stayed at the house full time his last days in order to lovingly care for him and support your mom through the most difficult times. Thank you!
Shari, the love and support you gave Dick through the years is a shining example of unconditional love that we can all learn from. Patrik, Dan, and Cassy, thank you for being there as much as you were able to help take care of Dick and to show him how very much he was loved.
Dick is survived by his wife, Shari, two daughters, Staci (Patrik) and Cassy (Dan), and four grandchildren, Spencer (Megan), Alex, Savanna, and Carson. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, William P. and Mildred M. Lattin, as well as his siblings,Larry (Sandy), Bill (Marty), and Susie.
The family will be hosting an open house to celebrate Dick's life on November 3 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Dick and Shari's home at 9850 Poppy Lane, Sandy, UT. Friends and family are welcome to come share stories about Dick and the amazing man he was to all who knew him.
We will miss you every single day. We love you more!
