I think Dick may have been a childhood friend that I have wondered about from time to time all my life.  We walked back and forth to school together in third grade and Dick sat in front of me, so we knew one another quite well.  It was one of the saddest days of childhood when my dear friend said the family was moving so far away.  The child I knew was the strong, silent type even as a boy.  He wasn't silly or foolish like other boys.  Made me feel grounded and good.  And he was a handsome boy--looked a little like a young Kirk Russell.  When social media became popular, I attempted to find him but came up empty until finding this obit that describes the boy I knew.  It's not surprising he remained constant and left a deep impression on everyone he met.  I regret that we never reconnected.  Always hoped we would.  To his family and friends, I'm deeply sorry for your loss.  Dick was not a person one forgets and will always be a treasured memory.    


I have known Dick since 1979 when he came to our newly purchased house and showed us how to run the securty system he had installed in it . Since then we have had him install the system in our business and in the Hussey Borgeson House in Browne's Addition. He told us many interesting tales of the sisters who had lived in the house since 1917. Over the years we had many visits about car racing and his annual fishing trips.  He would bring us back fresh salmon from these trips which we enjoyed.  The thing I will miss most of all, was his unfailing cheerful "Hi Brian" when I called no matter what time of day or night it was, and our visit to catch up.  Rest in peace. You are missed.

I have been Dick’s neighbor for twenty years, our backyards adjoined with a 3 foot picket fence making us good neighbors. I spend lots of time outside in my yard and had seen Dick coming and going. A naturally friendly person, I was never able to catch his eye to holler ‘Hey.’ Then, at the end of June, he was outside with his friend, Don, when I was walking my dog. I stopped, introduced myself and we talked about 15-20 minutes. I recognized he was my contemporary and I learned a few things about interests that we shared, like old cars and security. I was attracted to his easy smile and his kind demeanor. My dog liked him. He gave me his business card, in case I ever needed help. I was excited to think we might become friends. He told me he was considered a grouchy old hermit. The last thing I said was, “I think you seem like a very nice person. Some people think I’m nice, too.” We laughed and he drove off in his truck carrying his action book. I regret not meeting him sooner. He will be missed by me like an old friend. RIP

I think this is the Dick Kern I was very good friends with, beginning at Lewis and Clark High School.   He was always kind and considerate, a very good friend.  Someone who you could be yourself with and always talk to.  We remained friends during and after his return from Vietnam.  I still have pictures he sent from Nam.  I have thought of Dick over the years many times but we have not connected.  I am sorry about that.  Any information I could learn from his family or friends about his life would be welcome.  I hope he was happy and fulfilled, as much as any of us can expect.  My prayers for Dick, his family and friends.  Terri Lancaster Crites. 

OBITUARY

Richard Lee Kern

September 8, 1947 – July 6, 2020

Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – South Hill

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