Richard Hermel Pettit

Richard H. Pettit "Dick" to all who knew him, passed away on August 15, 2014 the morning of his 83rd birthday. He was the first of identical twins born in Salt Lake City to H.L. And Mae (Ball) Pettit on August 15, 1931. He was preceded in death by two sons (Mark and Rick), his parents, older sister Beverly, his twin brother Bob, and his former wife, Shirley (Meese). He is survived by his wife, Betty, his son Scot and daughter-in-law Lynetta of Boise, his younger brother, Ed, of Orem, Utah, three granddaughters, two great-granddaughters, two great-grandsons, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. The Pettits moved to Pocatello when Dick was 7 years old, and he completed both elementary and high schools there. As owner of three retail stores located in Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls (Pettit Typewriter Exchange), his father was on the road a lot, but at Pocatello High School, Dick was fortunate to fall under the influence of his coach, "Babe" Caccia, who became somewhat of a second father figure to him. When Babe accepted a coaching position at Idaho State University, Dick followed along. There, he was also fortunate to work with the legendary "Dubby" Holt, who took him under his wing. Dick's prowess in track (primarily middle distance competition) led him to be inducted into the ISU Sports Hall of Fame. More importantly, his success in sports taught him the value of hard work and enhanced his self confidence in all his endeavors. During the Korean conflict, Dick joined the army and was assigned to a field artillery unit. He spent his enlistment time largely in Germany. He tried sales positions in a few industries before settling on the insurance business as an independent agent in Idaho Falls (selling property and casualty insurance), at which he proved to be a natural. Years later, Dick accepted a position with the State Insurance Fund (workman's compensation) and opened the first SIF office in Twin Falls to serve the Magic Valley and surrounding territory. In Twin Falls, the love of this wonderful man and his companion, Betty (Buffington) Konklin, developed into a lasting relationship, and they were wed on October 8, 1990 at her childhood home town of Paris, Texas. Following their retirements, Dick and Betty enjoyed many winter seasons at Desert Trails RV Park in El Centro, California, and made some lifetime friendships there. A memorial service for Dick will be held at Parke's Funeral Home in Twin Falls on Monday, August 25, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers for those who would like to acknowledge their friendship and love for Dick in a meaningful way his family suggests that a contribution be made to the ISU Bengal Foundation in his name. Alternatively, a contribution could be made to your local public school athletics programs so that other young men and women might have the opportunities to develop the qualities that Dick personified. Those who wish may share memories on Dick's Memorial Page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls.