Ron Richard, the manager of Vandal Brand Meats and faculty member in the University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) died at his home over the weekend, according to a university news release.
Richard had recently undergone open heart surgery. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
Richard’s long history at UI began in the early ‘80s. After serving in the United States Air Force, Richard graduated from UI with degrees in agricultural education and animal science in 1983. He went on to receive his master’s degree from Washington State University before returning to UI as an educator.
The majority of Richard’s career was spent among students in the UI Department of Animal and Veterinary Science.
Richard received the UI CALS Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017.
“Ron was a talented instructor, respected colleague and a caring member of the U of I community,” UI CALS wrote in a Facebook pose. “He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and students.”
The university encourages those affected by Richard’s death to reach out to UI’s Counseling and Testing Center at 208-885-6176 or to file a VandalCARE report at vandalcare.uidaho.edu.
Hailey Stewart can be reached at [email protected]
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