Ric, 80, peacefully passed away of natural causes on July 14th 2023 with his loving sweetheart Kate Kunz by his side.
Ric was born and raised in Victor, Idaho. Ric loved and doted on his younger sister Jamie Lavenstein and his younger brother Kelly Kunz. As a child and teenager, Ric helped his father Homer Kunz in the potato fields. While helping with the potato harvest, Ric learned to whistle from a fellow worker, and he became an excellent whistler. He would whistle to the cows to help them relax and let down their milk before he milked them. Grandma Lucy Kunz would say, “Whistle to me Ricky.”
Ric learned to hunt in the Big Hole Mountains. He would drive an old jeep up into the mountains and hunt for food to be cooked by his mom Doris Bennion. There was a problem with the jeep, it didn’t have any brakes; stopping the jeep was always an adventure for Ric.
Ric loved to eat his mom’s cooking especially the enchiladas, peas and potatoes, dutch-oven fried chicken and fudge. Grandma Dora Love taught Ric to can fruits, vegetables, grape juice, salsa, and chili pepper sauce. He and Kate would work tirelessly in the kitchen to create these wonderful delights and share them with family and friends. They often hosted dinners down at the patio on Little Cottonwood Creek.
At Teton Valley High School, Ric participated in every sport and played the slide trombone in the marching band. Upon graduating from high school, Ric was unsure of what career he wanted to pursue. His Uncle Ralph and Aunt Lorraine Self introduced Ric to podiatry and he never looked back, eventually earning a doctorate in podiatric medicine.
Ric opened a podiatry practice in the Sugar House area of Salt Lake City. He treated his patients with deep kindness and respect. Towards the end of each patient’s appointment, Ric would wrap up their time together with a short foot massage as he listened intently to whatever the patient wanted or needed to tell him. He cared so deeply about helping each patient heal and improve their lives.
Ric and Kate were married for 28 years. They loved to pack up the RV and travel through Idaho and Montana fly fishing, biking, and golfing. They loved to play cards, cook good food, and laugh. Ric and Kate loved each other very deeply.
Devin (Marni), Tara (LeGrand), and Tyler are Ric’s children from a previous marriage to Mary Jane Ogden Gordon. They love and adore their father. He spent countless hours helping them practice sports, attending their activities, and providing them with love and comfort. Kristine, Scott, Michael, and Emily (Jason) are Ric’s stepchildren from his current marriage with Kate.
Ric has 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He loved to play with his grandchildren on the swing set in his backyard and at his cabin in Idaho. He loved to take the grandchildren on 4-wheeler rides and pick huckleberries.
Ric’s viewing will be at 2 PM on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023, at Larkin Sunset Gardens. All are welcome to participate in the celebration of life by sharing a special moment or experience you’ve had with Ric.
Love you guys so much and again I’m so sorry for the loss of Ric. 🩵
Kathy, Devin, & Tara;
There were so many good times. Too many to recount.
You have our sympathy & condolences.
Regards,
E & C
Oh Ric. You and I have a lot of history together. You came into my life 31 years ago. You taught me how to work hard and be accountable for my actions. You always supported me and gave me a lending ear whenever I needed one. I miss our conversations. I respected the hell out of you. You could be rough around the edges but you had a big heart and I’m so grateful I got to witness it! I appreciate everything you did for me and the love you always showed my children. You treated them like your own grandchildren. You welcomed me into your home, showed me how to work, and shared bits of your heart with me and mine. I will always remember your delicious thanksgiving dinners, fun Super Bowl parties, foot rubs, salsa, grape juice, Dutch oven cooking, camping trips, sitting outside with you listening to the creek or staring out at the Tetons and listening for birds (you’d try to match their whistles), the way your patients adored you, all the work you’d put into your yard, and the way you loved my mom. Thank you for being a big part of my life. I love you
Tara, I loved learning more about your dad and his younger life and interests.
We hope you feel a lot of peace and joy today as you reflect on his life and influence on yours.
Love Brenley and family
Soo sorry for Rick's passing. Such a good man!! Loved our competitive racquetball games; he tried to teach me how to fly fish--I failed. He could cook better then most guys, certainly better then me, and also had a hardier appetite. Loved hunting and fishing and the outdoors. Any sporting activities he could help with, especially with his children, he was ready-able-and present! Once reminiscing about his father, he stated he never knew anyone who could plant his cops in as straight a line or work as hard as dad. Many father's would cherish such respect from their children. About three decades ago, I had a foot problem and of course went to Ric. His office demeanor was much different than the typical guys outdoor demeanor. I was thoroughly impressed with his sincere interest in resolving my problem and the considerate and kind way he treated me. I later learned this was the same for all of his patients. To top it off, when I tried to pay, he firmly refused my money. His reason--our son just recently returned from his mission; and he would rather we help him instead. Generous, Kind, considerate, professional, adventurous, loved the outdoors, loved sports, enjoyed people, a good man and friend. Many wonderful joint family memories and the cousins having fun together.
Love you , Cousin Rick💕always kind and generous.