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
Rick Largent 1975
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.
