William Richard “Dick” Strickland

William Richard “Dick” Strickland, 85, of Bruneau, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Dick was born on November 2, 1940, in Boise, Idaho, to Grant and Jodie Strickland. He was the second oldest of four children and spent his earliest years at the Old Hot Springs place at the head of the Bruneau Valley. When his parents purchased the Old Rahn place, 3.2 miles outside of town on Hot Springs Road, Dick helped shape what would become a lifetime devoted to ranching. He grew up alongside his sisters, Barbara Cristobal and Patty Pinkston, and his brother, Curt Strickland. Dick graduated from Bruneau High School in 1958, and from a young age worked faithfully beside his family raising sheep and cattle. On April 24, 1960, Dick married the love of his life, Linda Willis. They shared 65 years of marriage. Their first daughter, Lezlie, was born in December 1960. In August 1962, their second daughter, Tammie, was born. Raising two daughters under the age of two brought its share of laughter and challenges, but Dick and Linda embraced every moment together. In 1972, they moved into the Boise Cascade home, where Dick would live the remainder of his life. He served as Fire Chief of the Bruneau Fire Department for 25 years. In classic Dick fashion, he once stood at a meeting and simply announced, “I quit.” Yet if the town called, he always answered — smiling and ready to help. Dick served on the Bruneau Cemetery Board for many years. Known to many as the “Backhoe Man,” he dug many graves, water lines, and occasionally found phone lines, and could fix just about anything. He worked as the Bruneau Buckaroo ditch rider, served on the ASCS board in Marsing, and was president of the Bruneau Round-Up before later becoming a fixture in the beer booth alongside his family. In 2025, he was honored as the Bruneau Round-Up Grand Marshal — a fitting tribute to a man who had given so much to his community. Dick had a musical side that many admired. Beginning in 1965, he played drums for community dances with the Bruneau Valley Boys, the 3 D’s, and eventually the Hired Hands. He wasn’t just keeping rhythm — he was leading it. His grandchildren proudly shared stories of their Papa the drummer. Dick’s civic spirit also shone through his involvement in community meetings, including gatherings at David Jones’ home alongside Guy Colyer. He and David even took turns serving as Bruneau’s honorary mayors. When the Bruneau Booster Club auction began, Dick donated handcrafted items each year. Many homes in Bruneau still hold a piece welded by Dick’s steady hands. He also served as the first auctioneer before passing the gavel to Kyle Colyer. After decades of hard work, Dick gradually retired from ranching. Retirement did not slow him much. There were always gophers to trap, weeds to spray, and a backhoe to run. Work was not just something Dick did — it was who he was. To many, he was the hardest-working man in the Bruneau Valley. Dick is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Linda; his daughters, Lezlie (Philip) Rahn and Tammie (James “JJ”)Teare; grandchildren Lauren Short, Layne Short, Kelsey (Jeremie) Overton, Paige (Nate) Kane, and Lindsay Short; Nieces & Nephew Chris (Mark) Alzola, John (Julie) Cristobal, Kelli Pinkston and Karla Pinkston; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Jodie Strickland; his sisters and their husbands, Barbara (John) Cristobal and Patricia (Bob) Pinkston; his brother, Curt Strickland; and many extended relatives and dear friends. Dick Strickland leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness — to his land, his family, and his community. His life was defined not by titles, but by quiet strength, steady hands, and a willingness to show up whenever he was needed. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A celebration of life will be held on Friday March 27, 2026 at 4:00 pm at the Legion Hall in Bruneau. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bruneau Fire Dept, Bruneau Boosters and Bruneau QRU.