Richard William Hedges

Richard W. Hedges, 91, of Eagle Idaho, formerly of Boise and Parma, passed away of natural causes, with his family by his side, on January 11th, 2026.

Dick was born in Parma, Idaho Nov. 15, 1934, to parents Jim and Dorothy Hedges. He grew up in an area of Parma called The Island, where he learned his strong work ethic working on his father’s farm. He started his education in a one-room schoolhouse until attending Parma High where he played football and was an avid boxer. He attended the College of Idaho and then spent two years in the Army. He finished his education at the University of Idaho graduating with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1961. He worked in LaGrande for the Oregon Transportation Dept until December of 1961, then moved to Boise to continue his professional engineering career with the Idaho Transportation Department. In 1987 he was promoted to his final position as the Idaho Transportation Department Head Construction Engineer for the State of Idaho and retired from the department in 1997, culminating his 36 years at the department.

Dick enjoyed building their mountain cabin at Kramer, spending fun times with family and friends, hunting, fishing, 4 wheeling, and snowmobiling. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing with his wife and family on his boat, the Chinook Wind, on the Columbia River and Nootka Sound, Canada. He and Carla enjoyed traveling, especially going on cruises. They enjoyed dancing and the friendships made with the Capital Squares and Ramblin Rounds dance clubs. He also excelled at banjo playing and was a sought-after member for any bowling team. His favorite song was “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, and we all know why…He will be dearly missed.

Survivors include: Carla, his wife of 69 years he married Dec 22, 1957, in Parma, Idaho; his children Brian Hedges (Terri) of Eagle, Cheryl Northrup (John) of Star, Ronald Hedges (Melinda) of Meridian, 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; his siblings, sister Greta Cummings of Caldwell and brother, John Hedges (Linda) of Caldwell.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Dorothy Hedges, siblings Joyce, Kay and Jimmy.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family would like to send our gratitude to the ICU team at St Lukes for their compassionate care of Dick in his final hours.

Those wishing to honor Dick may do so through a charitable donation of their choosing.