Richard "Rick" Eason

Rick Eason, 78, of Boise, passed away on June 5, 2025 after a 3 year battle with cancer.

Born November 6, 1946, raised by Vernon and Norma Eason in Boise, Rick attended Cole Elementary, West Junior High School, and graduated from Borah High School in 1965.

After high school, he attended Boise Junior College for 1 year and in 1966 enlisted in The United States Marine Corps, where he took great pride in serving his country. After basic training at Camp Pendleton (CA) he attended helicopter avionics training in Memphis, TN and in 1967 went off to fight the war in Vietnam. He preferred to leave the memory of war in the jungles of Vietnam, rarely discussing details, however on rare occasions would share a slight glimpse of the experience.

His assignment on the helicopter was that of a “door gunner” and in 1968 his unit was shot down, leaving him injured, thus requiring a one-year recovery in a Bremerton, Washington Naval Hospital.

After being released from care, he was free to take care of business state side, and wasted no time. On June 6, 1969, he married the love of his life, Teresa Ann Thompson, whom he had met at church camp back in 1965. Post nuptials, they started their life together in Santa Ana, CA as he finished out his military duties. In 1970 he was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps and was now free to pursue his next endeavor, a career in public education.

Newly married and fresh out of the military, Rick decided to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from (what is now known as) Boise State University, graduating in 1972 and later added a Master’s Degree in the same course of study. During this time, he and Teresa also decided to start a family with their oldest, Doug, being born in the fall of 1971.

In 1972, Rick began a career spanning 33 years as a teacher and coach in the Boise School District, getting his start at Franklin Elementary. During his time there, he hit his groove and fell in love with the profession. He was also busy outside of the work as he and Teresa expanded their family, with the arrival of their second son, Sean in 1975 followed by Tony in 1976.

In 1979, he decided a change of scenery was in order and jumped at the opportunity to move to the newly constructed engineering marvel that was Amity Elementary (IYKYK). While there, he took full advantage of the opportunity to influence the lives of the thousands of students to make it through his classrooms, on the basketball court, and track. Many of the Amity families, both students and staff, became life-long friends.

He was also heavily involved with youth sports in which his boys participated. No matter the sport, he wanted to coach. Soccer, basketball, and his true love baseball. Once that window in time had passed, he focused his efforts on high school baseball, coaching sophomore teams at Boise and Borah High Schools. Again, another opportunity to connect with students and teach life-long lessons via sports, something he was extraordinary at doing.

In 2004, it was his time to retire and enjoy life after a brilliant career. Now with time on his hands he was able to take on house projects as well as work on the family cabin, which he had always dreamed of having. His favorite activity though, was fishing, whether it was taking his boat out or drifting a fly on a cool mountain stream, that was where he was at peace. Other activities he enjoyed were golf, Boise State basketball/football games, woodworking, crossword puzzles and really anything to keep busy.

On the family front, he was blessed with 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. All of whom he enjoyed spending time whether it be vacationing together, weekends at the cabin, sporting events, family functions or simple visits and conversation.

More than anything outside of family, Rick cherished the personal relationships that he had developed over the years. He was a friend to all and was always there to lend a helping hand. He loved his weekday coffee and breakfasts with his core group of friends that seemed to expand as the years went by.

Rick was very personable, respectful, had a great sense of humor, and cared for all. Looking at his lifetime of experience, though, there is one word that would best describe him and that is TOUGH. His childhood was not optimal, he fought and survived a war, raised 3 boys ;), dealt with all of life’s trials and tribulations, and finally, battled the horrific disease in which he eventually succumbed. Succumbed, but fought to the end, never giving up.

“You gave it all you had from day 1, and for that you are our hero.”

May you forever rest in peace, with your friends, family, and pets that have fallen before you. You will forever be in our hearts, on our minds, and infinitely loved.

The family would like to extend a wealth of gratitude to all of you for your kindness, thoughts, prayers, calls, and visits during this difficult time. Special shout out to the Boise VA for their remarkable care and compassion over the past 3 years. Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts.

Rick is survived by his wife Teresa, son(s) Doug (Jamie), Sean (Kristina), Tony (Amber). Grandchildren: Dylan (Tayla), Camryn (Hunter), Marshall, Emma, Landon, Logan and Cayden. Great grandchildren: Drew, Eli (Dylan and Tayla), and Ruth (Camryn and Hunter). Sister: Sue Baughman (Dan).

Private family burial services with military honors will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 10, at 3 p.m. at Summit Church, 10375 W. Overland Rd. Boise, Idaho 83709.