May 25, 1945 – July 15, 2023 (age 78)
Dick Martine Mallea passed away peacefully on July 15, 2023, with his loved ones by his side. Dick was born at the old family farm outside of Shoshone on May 25, 1945, to Jose Bideganeta Mallea and Josephine Marie Shurts. He was the youngest of 7 children and was very loved by all of his siblings. He was raised in the Shoshone, Idaho area, attending and graduating from Shoshone High School in 1963. He lived in many places, but most of his adult life was spent in the Boise, Idaho area.
Dick lived an interesting and full life. He embraced his father’s Basque culture, learning as much as possible about the traditions, language, and lifestyle as he could. He traveled to Spain several times and had wonderful memories of those trips to the area where his father was born. He was an avid reader and loved knowledge and dedicated himself to learning about different faiths and practices. He was also very witty and loved to laugh, and often hosted large garden parties for his friends and family in Boise. His backyard paradise was beautiful and was once featured in the Idaho Statesman’s Gardening magazine.
Dick was passionate about helping others and living with kindness. He worked in elder care for many years but then found a way to help many by working as an investigator for the Human Rights Commission in Boise. He was an advocate for all people and wanted to ensure that every person had a voice. He retired from the HRC at the age of 70. Dick also enjoyed being active, and in fact completed an extreme half marathon with his best friend Kayla at 70 years old, becoming the oldest person who had ever finished the “Race to the Angel” marathon.
Dick was very close to his family and wanted nothing more than to be with them. As the youngest in his family, he leaves behind many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews that he loved and adored. The McNulty, Mallea, Smith, and Kewish families were a big part of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and two brothers.
The family would like to thank the Cache Valley Assisted Living Center in Providence for their care of Dick.
Graveside services were held at the Shoshone Cemetery, 82 US-26, Shoshone Idaho, 83352 on July 21, 2023.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Horsley Funeral Homes.