Dick went peacefully to the Lord on October 30, 2008, at age 90. He is survived by Bernice, his beloved wife of 65 years; daughter Pam Carrillo of Champaign; son Rick and daughter-in-law Susan Gifford of Edmonds, Washington; grandchildren Lucas Foster, and Ben and Laura Gifford; and great-grandchildren Caleb and Elizabeth Foster.

Born and raised on a farm outside Cabery, Illinois, he had a happy small-town childhood. After high school and off-and-on attendance at what was then Illinois State Normal University, he was swept up by World War II. Dick and Bernice were married in October 1943, shortly before he went overseas. He served in Italy for 17 months and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Dick and Bernice were in Champaign after the war while Dick completed his civil engineering degree at the UI. He worked for Peter Kiewit & Co. on several jobs in the west and Alaska before settling in Champaign in 1952. Dick built the house at 1104 Alton Drive where they lived from 1953 until moving to Inman Plaza retirement center in 2006.

As a home builder in the 1950's, he erected the first residence in the Mayfair subdivision. In 1960 he joined the UI's Office of Capital Programs and was there until retiring in 1982. While at the UI Dick was involved in a number of prominent projects, including the Civil Engineering Building, the Assembly Hall, and the restoration of the Auditorium. He was a die-hard Illini fan, and seldom missed a home basketball or football game.

Dick and Bernice were founding members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where they actively served for 50 years. Dick oversaw construction of the original church facilities in the mid-1950's and a major addition in the 1960's.

His utmost calling and greatest joy was his family. He cherished his wife and children, and later his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was happiest when surrounded by loved ones.

Dick lived his life quietly and without fanfare. He worked diligently, honored Christ, provided for his family, served others, and always got the job done. He had a stubborn streak, but it never got in the way of doing the right thing or preserving a relationship. In all he did, by word and action, Dick exemplified fidelity, integrity, and faith.

A service celebrating Dick's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1700 Crescent Drive, Champaign. Memorials in Dick's name may be made to Westminster.