Richard R. Gulman Jr., 90
Richard R. Gulman Jr., 90, of Sandpoint, Idaho, passed away on Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, in Careywood, Idaho.
Graveside funeral services will be held at the Pine Grove Cemetary in Rathdrum, Idaho, on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 12 p.m., with arrangements by Coffelt Funeral Home.
Dick was born in Norwalk, Calif., to Richard and Anita Gulman on May 4, 1926. He had one younger brother, Robert. He married Carol Dewell on June 30, 1950 in Big Bear, Calif. He graduated from Excelsior High School in 1944, the same school his mother and all four of his sons attended as well. He also graduated from Fullerton Junior College. He was self-employed installing concrete and later epoxy flooring until retirement.
He was an Army veteran of World War II proudly serving in the 7th Cavalry Regiment, seeing combat in Luzon, Phillipines and was awarded the Purple Heart, as well as the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars.
Dick was an avid sportsman his whole life playing baseball and football in High School and baseball in College. He also played AAA softball and enjoyed coaching a Women’s Softball team. He later became interested in archery and was a charter member of the Oranco Bowman Archery Club. He was a bow hunter for more than 40 years hunting deer, Russian boar, black bear, muskox, Javelina, and grizzly among others; all hunted only with a bow. He has had many records in the Pope and Young record book.
In his later years he gave up hunting and took up feeding bear; yes, feeding bear! He was known as the Bear Man of Sandpoint and took great pleasure in welcoming people to his cabin to show off his new talent. Idaho Fish and Game didn’t like what he was doing, but the many visitors that got to witness Dick feeding a 400 pound black bear a donut from his mouth were enthralled. He kept a running record of how many times he fed a bear by mouth — 1,781 at last count.
Richard is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55-plus years, Carol Gulman; his son, Richard R. Gulman III; and his son, Timothy Gulman.
Richard is survived by his sons, Jory (Denise) Gulman of Careywood, Idaho, and Gary (Julie) Gulman of Hayden, Idaho; a daughter-in-law, Carol (Bernie) Beard of Post Falls, Idaho; and his grandchildren, Rick (Kris) Gulman IV of Hamilton, Mont., Carie (Brian) Hamilton of Athol, Idaho, Jillian (Scott) Carlsson of Spokane Valley, Wash., Janna (Joe) Ploetzner of Sitka, Alaska, Kandi Gulman and Stevie Gulman of Hayden, Idaho. He was also the proud great-grampa of Madison, Gracie, Aylin, Parker, Kassidy, Sam, Henry, Rory, and Ricky; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to Auburn Crest Hospice of Coeur d’Alene for their loving care of Richard in his final weeks. We would also like to thank the wonderful staff of Stacey’s Restaurant in Sagle and the ladies from Snyder’s Bakery in Coeur d’Alene for treating Dad like family for all these years. And also a special thanks to Bernie Moser and Steve Armstrong for all the things they’ve done for Dad over the years.
Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook, for Richard, at www.coffeltfuneral.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.