Richard Aitken

Richard Aitken 75, of Boise, Idaho passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 8, 2021, in Boise.

Rich was born March 14, 1945, in Wallingford Connecticut to Kenneth & Lucille [Stevens] Aitken. Rich attended Wallingford, CT schools graduating from Lyman Hall H. S. in 1963.

Rich joined the U.S. Air Force and was subsequently stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho. He met Judy Jenkins where she worked at Westside Drive-In in Boise. They soon fell in love and were married at Christ Chapel on the Boise College campus on April 8, 1967.

He played football for the College of Idaho and earned his degree from there. Their daughter, Tracy, was born in 1974, followed by son Eric in 1979. Tracy and Eric were bright, happy, busy kids and the light of their parents’ lives. Rich and Judy never missed a game or performance. Later when their three grandchildren came along, they became just as involved in those kids’ lives and found the love and delight that only grandchildren can bring.

Rich’s career was in sales, working for several national corporations over the years. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved golf beyond measure and could be found at Warm Springs Golf Course on just about any day he wasn’t working.

He was larger than life with many lifelong friends. He loved a good joke and was a prankster extraordinaire. He and Judy spent their vacations in Rich’s native Connecticut, or at the Oregon coast which they both loved. They especially enjoyed entertaining family and friends, throwing many backyard parties through the years.

There were barbeques, pig roasts and seafood feasts. They spent many afternoons and evenings at BSU games, cheering on their beloved Broncos. Throughout his adult life, Rich was never without a dog- Hoss, Daisy, Murphy and more. Rich never met a stranger.

Rich was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Judy, just two months ago on November 1, 2020; and his parents. He is survived by his daughter Tracy (Jason) Fuller and grandchildren Jackson and Dallas Fuller of Boise; son Eric (Tory) Aitken and granddaughter Olivia Aitken of Boise; his brother Ben Aitken (Kathy) of Cheshire, CT , sister Ellie Chester of Northfield, NJ, and several nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID-19, no services will be held, although there will be a memorial party at a later date. Rich and Judy’s ashes will be scattered this summer on the Oregon coast.