Rick Largent was born July 13, 1957, in Spokane, Wash., to Gary Lee "John"
and Ardis Lavoy Largent of Potlatch, Idaho. He grew up on the family
farm north of Potlatch and graduated from Potlatch High School in 1975. After working at various jobs, Rick went to night school to
obtain his journeyman's license while working for an electrical firm.
Exuding the confidence in himself he had from early childhood, Rick
started his own electrical contracting business, Largent Electric, in
the mid-'80s, initially out of his home but ultimately relocating to a
site on Robinson Park Road near Moscow.
Rick Largent in 1958
Largent Electric continued to grow, and in time had more than 30 people on the payroll. Among the many projects Rick's company completed were the Lewiston, Idaho, Walmart store, Tri-State Hospital expansion in Clarkston, Wash., Jennings Elementary School remodel in Colfax, Wash., and numerous jobs on the University of Idaho and Washington State University campuses.
Rick was married in Potlatch and adopted his new wife's two children, Jason and Angela. A third child, Sarah, was born to that union in 1981. The marriage later ended in divorce, and Sarah died of cancer in 1999 at age 17.
In 1995 Rick met with a freak accident, breaking his neck and paralyzing him from the chest down. Officially considered a quadriplegic, he had limited use of his hands and in time was seen "pushing" up and down Robinson Park Road to keep in shape. With his indomitable spirit and determination, he was able to eventually return to running the electrical business but his physical limitations and medical challenges eventually forced him to close it.
Rick found other ways to fill his time, including guitar-playing, writing songs, trying his hand at inventing and spending endless hours on the computer. He even learned to drive a specially equipped van that would accommodate his powered wheelchair. Despite his many setbacks and life-changing trials, Rick never wavered in his faith in God and trust in Jesus.
From early childhood on, Rick had a sense of adventure about him. As a youth he accompanied his mother, Ardis, on a trip to Spain, reporting back that he really liked those "time-outs" those Spaniards took in the early afternoon. As a young adult, Rick joined with two other men to form a country-western band that played frequently at local bars. When Sarah was about 13, she and Rick went to Nashville, Tenn., Rick recalling that trip in ensuing years as a highlight of his life.
At 23, Rick was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, and after his accident became a spokesman for diabetes research and treatment. He was a guest speaker - from his wheelchair - at conferences in Florida, Denver, Colo., and San Diego, Calif., and was presented the Lilly Diabetes Journey Award for 25 years of successfully managing his diabetes.
It is impossible to capture the essence of Rick's character, determination, heart and inner strength in a few words. He loved family more than life itself, and he relished family reunions and long visits with friends. He was always interested in what was going on in the lives of those close to him, even though he himself couldn't always participate.
Rick passed away on 6 March 2013 in Coeur d'Alene. He is survived by his father, John Largent and wife Lois of Moscow; his son, Jason, of Portland, Ore., and his daughter Angela Helmke of Moscow; his sister, Sharon Montgomery, of Potlatch; brothers, Terry Largent of Potlatch and Todd Largent of Lewiston; four grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his long-time friend and caregiver, Betty Knight, of Elk River, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ardis, and his daughter Sarah.
Memorials may be given to the Potlatch Ambulance Fund, Box 63, Potlatch, ID, or to the Freeze Cemetery, in care of Sharon Stoll, 6220 Highway 95, Potlatch, ID 83855.
Arrangements are being handled by Kramer's Funeral Home in Palouse, Wash. A celebration of Rick's life will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at the Kramer Funeral Home, Palouse, with his uncle Ed McBride of Colfax and the Rev. Lee Nicholson officiating. Burial will be at Freeze Cemetery north of Potlatch, next to his beloved daughter, Sarah.
