Richard N. (Rich) Cutler

Richard passed away after a brief illness on August 23, 2016 at the Spokane Veteran's Home in Spokane Washington.

Richard was born in Colfax Washington to Lola and Howard Cutler on July 20, 1934. He was raised as a farm kid on the family ranch on the Palouse River near Endicott Washington. He loved raising animals and was active in 4-H and FFA. Rich attended all 12 years of school in Endicott graduating from Endicott High School in 1952 where he played football.

Rich was stationed in Korea while serving in the US Army. After the military, he worked for a rancher in Pomeroy WA, demonstrated and sold pancake mix for Krusteaz in Seattle, worked on Eddie Bauer's jeep while employed at a gas station in Moses Lake, was a tool maker for North American Aviation building the B-70 in California, and worked at Union Iron Works in Spokane before returning home to Whitman County. He worked for Palouse Producers in Colfax for several years and retired from St. John Hardware in St. John after keeping farmers' equipment working in the fields for many harvests. He served as the mayor of Endicott and retired from the St. John Volunteer Fire Department.

Rich is survived by a brother, Everett Cutler of Colfax, a sister, Shirley Cutler of Palmdale CA, his wife of 53 years, Francine Cutler of Endicott, and their children, Elizabeth (Rick) Lally of Valleyford WA, Rebecca (Joe) St. John of Tekoa WA, and Jeffrey (Sheri) Cutler of Broken Arrow OK, grandchildren Erin Lally (Donovan Suko), Scott St. John (Janae) of Asotin WA, Brenna VanDalsen (Brandon) of Tekoa WA, Hannah Lally (Donnie Frazee) of New River AZ, and Brad Cutler of Bozeman MT. and 2 great grandchildren and numerous nieces. He is also survived by two children from a previous marriage, Connie Miller and David Cutler and their four children.

Richard enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren while they participated in various sports and activities. He loved to go fishing and camping with family and friends. Rich loved animals and was especially fond of anything with an engine and wheels. He was always ready with a helping hand for anyone who needed it. His family's favorite memories are of the gag gifts Richard liked to receive and give at Christmas. Rich enjoyed joking and laughing with his family and many friends who will greatly miss him.

A memorial to celebrate Richard's life will be held on August 30, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran church in Endicott WA after a private burial at the Endicott Cemetary.

Memorials can be made to the Union Gospel Mission, the St. John - Endicott School Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice.