SYRACUSE – Dick Howard Egan, husband, father, grandfather, educator, musician, sportsman and handyman died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, December 4, 2016, after a long battle with dementia.

If only he could be here to sing at his funeral.

Dick was born on September 19, 1927 the only child of Vernal and Claudia Bell Egan.  He grew up in Cache County and graduated from Davis High School in 1945.  He served his country in the US Navy from 1945-1948.  He was a flight engineer, aerial gunner and air crewman.

Dick met Shirley Barber in 1949 on a blind date and they were married November 22, 1950 in the Salt Lake Temple.  Their love story on earth has ended, but they will be reunited in heaven.  She has been a rock for him throughout his illness, taking care of him at home with help from children and grandchildren as well as many dedicated home health caregivers.

He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Utah.  He was selected as a participant in the first Academic Year Institute for science and math teachers and was awarded a Master of Science Education degree.  He received his secondary counseling certification and secondary administrative/supervisory certification from Brigham Young University.

Dick began his career in education in 1953 and until 1969 he taught mathematics, science and music at North Davis and Kaysville Junior High Schools.  From 1969-1974 he was a guidance counselor at Clearfield High School.  From 1974-1979 he served as assistant principal at North Davis Junior High School and was the principal at North Davis from 1979-1986.  The final two years of his career with Davis School District he accepted the many challenges and rewards of getting a new school up and running as principal of Syracuse Junior High.  He was much loved and respected by students and faculty alike.  He retired in 1988, but later spent a short time as a teacher in Evanston, Wyoming and at behavioral schools in Davis County.

Dick was a lifelong active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings during his life, including as stake clerk and counselor in the bishopric.  His favorite calling was a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  During this time he and Shirley traveled to Europe, Japan, Australia and many parts of the United States.  They also served an LDS mission in St. Louis.

He provided comfort to many by singing at funerals.  He loved to sing with his children.

Dick was an active participant in many sports throughout his life and he excelled at softball and racquetball.  He won age group awards in several racquetball tournaments and on the fast pitch softball diamond he was one of the premier pitchers of his time. His favorite sport was golf... he enjoyed many rounds with family and friends.  One of his favorite partners, especially in his later life, was his cousin Doyle.

He was great at building and repairing things.  He did many home improvement projects and repaired cars.  Who could forget the Volkswagen beetle that was welded together from two old cars.  His crowning achievement was the “the ark” an old boat that he rebuilt for fishing in Alaska.

Dick is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley; daughters, Barbara (Steve) Wathen, Debbie (Kirk) Cowdin, Susan Egan, Kris (Greg) Decker; sons, Brent (Fanny) and Kelly (Michelle).  His remarkable posterity included 24 grandchildren, their spouses and 34 great-grandchildren.

Dick had a remarkable gift of patience.  Whether he was mentoring a student, repairing an engine, finishing a room or persevering through his long illness, his patient spirit was unwavering.