Richard Bastian passed away Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007. His wife and family invite you to join them in celebrating and honoring his life at 11a.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007, in the Nampa 9th Ward LDS Chapel, 3904 East Greenhurst Road, Nampa. A viewing will be held 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N. Midland Blvd. Nampa and at the church from 10-10:45 a.m. Thursday prior to services. Interment will be at Kuna Cemetery. Richard was born Sept. 25, 1936, in Vermillion, Utah. He was the first of five children born to Sidney and DeOn Bastian. He attended Sigurd Elementary School and Richfield Junior High before moving with his family to Nampa, Idaho in 1950 at the age of 13, where he attended Central Junior High in Nampa. A 1954 Kuna High School graduate, he attended BYU, Ricks College, Boise Junior College and NNC to become an elementary teacher. Richard taught in Chalis, Idaho and Parkview Elementary in Nampa, Idaho. He also served a two year mission for the LDS Church in Hawaii and was a Marine and member of the Idaho National Guard. After his first marriage ended, he married DeEtte Taylor Watkins in March 20, 1984. The marriage was later solemnized in the Boise Idaho Temple. Together they lived on their ranch in Nampa for 24 years. He is the father of three children: Lance, Travis and Samantha and the step-father of four: Jeff, Margo, David and Jeff. Although he was a farmer, dairyman, truck driver and substitute teacher, most remember him for his deep interest in friends and family. Everyone seemed to know Richard Bastian. He had a unique, fun and unforgettable personality. Richard had a deep faith in God and was a loyal and life time member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed his friends and membership in the Church, where he served as a teacher, leader and a very faithful home teacher. He loved sports and followed the athletic achievements of his children, nieces, nephews, friends, Kuna High School, BSU, BYU and professional athletes. He was preceded in death by his father, Sid, Mother DeOn and brother Barry. He is survived by his wife, three children: Lance, Travis, Samantha Bastian; step-children Jeffery and David Watkins, Margo and Jeff Finch; six grandchildren; two sisters, Rochelle (Dave) Clark, Sue (Ervin) Gardner and his brother Morris (Elaine) Bastian. He lived a simple life. He didn't need material things to be happy. Food, family and friends were his most satisfying pleasures. He was a friend to all who knew him. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the Idaho Food Bank-Christmas charities in December or all year long, 3562 TK Ave. Boise, ID 83705
Published in the Idaho Statesman from 12/4/2007 - 12/5/2007.