Tribute to my brother Dick

Walter Richard Spaid 1928-2009
Tucson
My brother, Dick, died last Wednesday. He went very peacefully in his sleep. However, he had been in a semi-coma since the Sunday before. I am comforted by the knowledge that he is in peace and in heaven with his wife, parents, family & friends that have gone before him. However, there is a huge gap in my life without him. He will live forever in my heart and mind and the memories we have of him are precious to us. I am so glad we moved him down here from Alaska. One, because he was finally warm; two because we were able to spend so much more time with him. I saw him at least once a day and usually more, and we did so much as a three-some, Al, Dick and myself. He had a wonderful life and we were happy to be part of it.

Dick was born in Simla Colorado in 1928. After graduation from high school he married his sweetheart, Imy. They struggled as all young couples do, Dick finding work in Nebraska. Finally he decided to enlist in the Air Force in 1951. They already had their first child Bobby Dean by then and Imy was not in good health as she had a bad heart. In 1952 they were stationed at Luke AFB, AZ and shortly there after welcomed another son, Bruce. From Luke they were stationed several different places including Texas, Michigan and their first tour in Alaska. They all fell in love with Alaska. In 1962 the AF moved them to Edwards AFB, CA where they had a daughter, Janice Jo. Dick spent three years at Edwards before being sent to Viet Nam for over a year. After Viet Nam he was sent to Wichita Falls, TX and then back to Alaska. From Alaska the AF sent him to Davis Monthan AFB, Tucson where he retired from the Air Force and didn't waste any time going back to Alaska. He spent the next 34 years there. Imy died in 1986 and Dick stayed in Alaska where he worked for the Post Office. Dick had a major heart attack in 1981 and had struggled with a bad heart from there on. But it didn't slow him down from his love of fishing, camping, being outdoors and his gardening,and he loved spending time with family and friends. He was a lot like our father in his disposition as well...a kind and gentle soul.

His care giver here, Pat, was so wonderful to him. And Hospice was great as well. I don't know how we would have managed without them. We can't thank them enough.

His son's Bob and Bruce are here now and I am glad to have them here. They are comfort not only to each other to me as well. We have some work to do, the paper work alone is almost over whelming. But some how we will manage it, we always do.

So rest in peace Dick. You had a good, long life. I will always miss you and love you.