Dick was born in a small farmhouse in Shelley, Idaho, on July 27, 1929. On that day, his father, Casper Andrew Bendixsen and his mother, Margaret Ethel (Mason) Bendixsen, welcomed the seventh of their ten children. Dick is survived by his brothers, Glen Bendixsen and Mick Bendixsen. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Vern, Gene, Jack, Bill, as well as his sisters, Joyce, Darlou, and Margaret.
As a young boy Dick grew up on a farm in Osgood, Idaho, where the family raised beets and potatoes. He spent his young life in a modest two-room home, which ultimately accommodated twelve people. After graduating from high school, Dick went on to attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He first met Ida Carol Maughan while attending a street dance on Center Street. Dick instantly became infatuated with her feisty exuberance and her love of dance. The relationship was cemented when Carol cooked a batch of homemade fudge for him. They were married in the LDS Temple in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on Sept. 21, 1950.
Family life was the focal point for Dick and Carol. Within the first four years of their marriage, they were blessed with three young daughters namely, Sheila Ann, Kristine, and Carol Sue. After a brief break, the remaining two children, Kurt, and Jennifer were added to the family.
In Dick’s early professional life he worked primarily in the insurance business. He had the reputation of a trusted and wise businessman. He was held in high regard by everyone who worked with him. In 1993, Dick and Carol decided to move to Hermiston. Dick accepted a position at Bank of America where he worked as an investment broker for the balance of his career. Following his retirement in 1998, Dick and Carol accepted a call to serve as LDS missionaries in South Africa. Among the many treasured experiences that they had, Dick often spoke of what an honor it was to serve the people of Soweto. Following their mission in South Africa, they returned to Hermiston. Their stay was brief, however, as they were then called to serve a second mission in Dallas, Texas.
Dick was an avid reader. He spent much time in local libraries in Hermiston, Pendleton , and Kennewick. He typically had a trunk full of books and paid more than ample late fees to each library. As a result of his fondness for books, Dick had a vast source of knowledge as well as an expansive vocabulary. He was an accomplished orator and teacher. He possessed a talent of making anyone feel comfortable in his presence.
The most valuable gift Dick had was his marriage to Carol and his relationships with his children. As the patriarch of his family, he was tremendously kind and loving. He reminded his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of the importance of kindness and the need to have an accomplished and happy life. From his families prospective, no one better understood how to live those values better than Dick.
Dick left behind his loving wife, Ida Carol, and their four daughters, Shelia Ann (Bendixsen) Reynolds (Garry) Jennifer (Bendixsen) Bauer (Eric). Kristine (Bendixsen) Bennett (John), Carol Sue (Bendixsen) Theissen, and one son, Kurt C. Bendixsen (Susie), Dick is likewise survived by twenty grandchildren and fifty-six great grandchildren. Our father loved each one of them fiercely and showed his love openly and liberally. His legacy of kindness and love of family resonates with us still. The influence of the patriarch of our family is vast and cherished. Our lives will continue to be molded and enriched by his example. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 5, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1035 SE 9th St, Hermiston. The family requests that any contributions in Richard’s memory be made to the Hermiston Public Library.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
