Dick Hare

Richard “Dick” Hare

On Sunday February 5, 2023 Dick Hare passed away peacefully at his home in Sun Valley surrounded by his family after courageously battling Parkinson’s for many years. He was 80.

At his core he wanted nothing more than kindness for himself and all those around him. In a life well-lived he fostered friendships everywhere he went, filling every room he entered with abundant optimism. 

On April 23,1942 Dick Hare was born to Henry Harold Hare and Ruth Dunham Hare in Eagle Rock, California. While his father served valiantly under Patton in WWII, Ruth raised Dick and his two older siblings Bill and Barbara. Early on, Dick developed a passion for the Boy Scouts. Many weekends were dedicated to retreats and camping trips in the mountains around greater Los Angeles. He eventually earned the level of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment that defined how he approached life. 

He spent hours shooting lay-ups on the rustic hoop in his backyard amidst the California citrus and sunshine. He also took great pride in his trumpet aperture, playing “Reveille” with limited regard for time or place. In the mid 1950’s he was fortunate to march with his trumpet in two Rose Parades. In 1958 he was elected Student Body President at Eagle Rock High School. To be identified and celebrated as a leader was of great importance to him. 

In 1959 he enrolled in the University of Southern California. By the grace of God he joined the Freshmen Basketball Team. Here, the legend of Dick “Head-fake” Hare was born as he relished being a part of the team. While he managed just a few points over the course of the season, he yielded life-long friendships and was a beloved teammate. 

While the hoops scholarship didn’t pan out-he parlayed his personality and passion to become a USC Yell King. Nothing brought him more joy than leading 70,000 spirited fans in cheers of “Fight On” and playing “Charge” on his trusted trumpet. He was on the field when SC toppled Wisconsin in the 1963 Rose Bowl securing a National Championship-a story that he proudly told throughout his life. 

A few years later, he started a family and focused on his career with Proctor & Gamble. These years were defined by frequent moves for the family and a busy travel schedule. In 1979 he got the opportunity to move the family home to California. 

The following summer, Dick coordinated a two-week family road trip exploring the West in the family Volvo. The open road and stunning landscapes profoundly impacted the family. A couple years later, a dear friend expanded the image of the West with an invitation to Sun Valley. Dick fell in love with the Sawtooths and in 1994 he made the Valley his full-time home. 

The mountains inspired him and he knew “The Higher You Get: The Higher You Get”. His days were filled with hikes, fishing on the Big Wood, cross-country skiing, and adventurous rounds of golf. He instilled in his family the importance of getting outside and taking advantage of all of the sunshine of each day. 

With a heart of gratitude and a mind for meaningful work, Dick was a dedicated and active philanthropist. He was a Board Member for BCRD / Galena Lodge, Sun Valley Summer Symphony, Sun Valley Center for the Arts-SVMoA, and on the Advisory Board for Power Up Galena. He never lost sight of all that had been given to him and had an intrinsic desire to help others. 

In the fourth quarter of his life, Dick met Patty Duetting after a series of missed opportunities. Perhaps, it was “divine intervention” that brought them together or maybe it was his humble and thoughtful nature. Soon they began to share their favorite spots with one another. Patty introduced him to her San Francisco through friends and experiences. He showed her the tranquil paradise of Lanai. Together they found their place and love in Sun Valley. Till the end, Dick was her true “Eagle Scout” - the man who loved her dearly and she was his rock – lovingly caring for him during his toughest years.

He will be truly missed by his wife, Patty; children, Mindy, Michelle, Dan; grandchildren, Tommy, Charlie, Susie, Taylor, Zach, Mason and Hudson; brother Bill. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Ruth and his sisters Barbara and Patti. 

A celebration of his amazing life will be held at 3pm on June 5th at the Dollar Lodge. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of these organizations who serve the community and Dick cared deeply about;

Hospice & Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley - who cared for him and his family with kindness and grace.

Wood River Community YMCA - where he was supported with special classes specific to his needs.