By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
RICHARD DEAN AMERINE
Sept. 1, 1926 – May 25, 2023
Amerine obit pic

On May 25, 2023 our father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many took his last ride on earth and arrived in heaven at the age of 96. Dick was one of a kind and left his legacy for many family members to carry on.

“Dick” was born in Modesto, CA on September 1, 1926 to Richard and Lois (Gum) Amerine. He celebrated each year with the opening of dove season and great, memorable hunts on their ranches in Oakdale. He was a graduate of Modesto High School, where he met the love of his life Carolyn Schoenfeld and married in 1950. He was the youngest of three brothers, all of whom served in the armed forces during World War II. After serving 10 years in the military, he joined his brothers Mervin and Raegan Amerine in their family ranching operation of cattle, turkeys and aviation in Oakdale. Dick was known as a seasoned cowboy, working the cattle, hiring kids who needed summer work and mentoring others in the business.

Dick and Carolyn had three children and built a full life in Oakdale, where they made lifelong friends. Dick was a cattleman but so much more in his later years. He was skilled in woodworking, could fix just about anything, and was willing to hand out life lessons to anyone who would listen. If you borrowed a tool, it better be back where you found it or you would get one of those lessons! He was a good neighbor, a great friend and a treasured grandfather and uncle. He was a patriot, American through and through and loved his country deeply. He was a salt of the earth kind of man and left a mark that will not soon be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Carolyn (2013) and brother Mervin Amerine (2008). He is survived by his children Richard (Rick) Amerine (Teri); David Amerine (Smita); and Corinne Reid; his six grandchildren – Robert Amerine (Jessica) and their children Jake and Ava; Richard “Kevin” Amerine (Jillian); and Kristen Steele (Spenser) and their children Kennedy, Sullivan and Krosby; Matthew Zimmerman and his children Kaila and Koa; Caitlyn Ibarra and her children Grace and Christian; and Justin Amerine. Nieces and nephews Barbie (Joe) Kollmeyer, Cavan (Kathy) Amerine, Ron (Kathy) Amerine, Gary (Debi) Amerine; grandnieces and nephews Shanna (Alan) Springer, Garrett (Terah) Amerine, Joanna (Bobby) Kulina, Joy Kiely (Kevin), Sarah (Steve) Conger, Jonathon Amerine, and Lisa (Donovan) Fitch.

A celebration of Dick’s life will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 3 at the Springer home – 12542 Valley Home Road, Oakdale. Please wear your jeans and boots, bring a cowboy handkerchief and your favorite Dick Amerine story to share. Lunch will be served. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Community Hospice of Modesto, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95350. They provided amazing care and comfort to the family in Dick’s final journey to heaven; or make a gift in his honor to a charity that serves the veterans of our country.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

The Riverbank (Calif.) News

May 31, 2023