Richard “Dick” Leroy Rose
Born Feb. 23, 1942, in Watertown, SD
Died June 26, 2016, in Eureka
After a brief battle with cancer, Richard “Dick” Leroy Rose of Eureka, CA. passed away in his home on 6-26-16 at the age of 74. Dick was born the only child to parents Leroy and Gladys Rose on 2-23-1942 in Watertown, South Dakota. He moved to Sacramento, CA at the age of 8 and he attended McClatchy High School. He married Charlotte Marilyn Hicks in 1963. Also in 1963, Dick and Charlotte moved to begin their life in Eureka, CA.
Dick spent his entire career as a proud ‘big rig’ truck driver in the transport industry. He hauled everything from pipes at his 1st job at Hilfiker Pipe Company to logs, cement, bakery items and even flowers. In his 40+year career, he drove over 6 million miles accident-free. He retired from Customer Truck Service in 2004. He was affectionately referred to by his friends as quiet, kind and unimposing yet the impact he had on the lives he touched is lasting and profound. Dick truly enjoyed his work, spending time at the Willow Creek cabin and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing, and hunting. Most of all, Dick loved his wife and the family they created together.Charlotte, the love of his life for over 53 years, was by his side at the end. Together, they enjoyed traveling the country in their RV and visiting far spread relatives or just relaxing at home which was always a gathering point for family.
Dick is survived by his wife Charlotte, his son Richard “Rick” Leroy Rose ll, Daughter-in-law Stephanie Rose, daughter Deborah Rose-Calilan and Son-in-Law James “Kimo” Calilan and grandchildren, Bryce and Braelyn Rose and Hannah and Joshua Calilan. He also leaves behind his Montana hunting friends, numerous loving friends, relatives and very special cousins that he remained close to throughout his entire life. Dick was described as a hero by many.
Dick has requested to be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt for their constant, attentive care and also extend special thanks to nurse Tiffany and aide Andre. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Amber Flowers, FNP with Eureka Internal Medicine for her compassionate attention and dedication.
The family is grateful for the condolences. In lieu flowers and donations the family requests you cross off an item from your personal bucket list and/or make donations to your personal charity or Hospice of Humboldt.