Richard Carl Robert Behm Jr.

Dick passed away on September 12, 2011 in Spokane Valley, Washington surrounded by his family. He was born on February 17, 1931 in Seattle, Washington to Richard Carl Robert Behm, Sr. and Sally Behm. He attended Roosevelt High School and later Pacific Lutheran University and Washington State University. Shortly after attending college Dick joined the United States Navy, serving for five years during the Korean War as an aviation ordinance instructor. In 1951, Dick married his soulmate, Ivah Jane Florence. After the war, they moved to Spokane Valley to work for Dick’s father at the Behm’s Valley Creamery. In 1974, he and Ivah bought the creamery from his father and have operated it to the present. Dick was very passionate about serving in his community. Some of his many involvements included a member of the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, member of the Board of Directors of the Spokane Valley Business Association, president of the Western Dance Association, and chaperone for the University High School Marching Band’s trip to compete for the national championship. He received the Golden Acorn Award for work with youth in the West Valley School District. Dick also served on many citizens committees for Spokane County for sewer planning, water quality, aquifer, watersheds and the water quality board. One of Dick’s passions was scouting and he proudly served as a member for sixty two years in the Boy Scouts of America serving as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster and many other leadership positions. In 2009, Dick received his 60 year award from the Boy Scouts of America, Inland Northwest Council. Dick was an avid hunter, fisher, boater, and camper. He was a true outdoorsman. Most of all Dick was a beloved husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, community supporter and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his sister, Carol Eliott; his wife of 60 years, Ivah Behm; sons, Ken Behm (Karen) and Rob Behm (Shannon); daughter Karen L. Behm (Dave Bush); three grandsons; one great granddaughter and one great grandson. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 2:00PM at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 South Schafer Road, Spokane Valley. Interment will follow with military honors at Pines Cemetery in Spokane Valley. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Richard Behm, Jr. to the Inland Northwest Council of Boy Scouts of America, 411 W. Boy Scout Way, Spokane, WA 99201 or to the American Diabetes Association.