Don Richard Liddell

Don Richard “Rick” Liddell

Born in Pocatello, Idaho to Dorothy D. Wilson-Liddell and Billy B. Liddell, Rick was one of four siblings. Growing up in Idaho, Rick went on to graduate from the University of Idaho, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

While in college, he met the woman who would be his love and partner through life, Shannon Flinn. Rick and Shannon were married in 1973, and in their nearly 51 years of marriage they would bring two children into the world, travel together and touch the lives of many friends and family in many places.

Rick began his career at Idaho Power Corporation, and then began what would be a long and successful career in the building products industry when he joined Owens Corning. He rose to national sales manager there, before moving on to the door division at Weyerhaeuser in the role of Vice President of Sales and marketing. He then progressed to VT Industries as Senior Vice President, first leading the company’s door division through a transformational period in the company’s history, positioning VT as a market leader. He also spent several years leading the company’s countertop division before his retirement in 2016.

Throughout his life, Rick loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and all the wonderful friends and colleagues he met and formed relationships with over the years. In his retirement he enjoyed reading, hiking, being in the outdoors, and watching his favorite college football and basketball teams: the Wisconsin Badgers and CU Buffalos. Rick and Shannon enjoyed countless adventures together, and Rick affectionately referred to himself as “Shannon’s Sherpa.”

Rick was in fact a sherpa to many. Well, respected by those who worked with him and beloved by his family and friends, Rick was a person that so many would look to for words of advice and encouragement. He was always happy to share his time, as well as offer guidance and a helping hand to those in need. His faith, family, friendships and sense of adventure were with him to the end. In 2023, Rick and Shannon celebrated their 50th anniversary with an amazing cruise to Australia and New Zealand. They enjoyed seeing a whole new part of the world together.

Rick is survived by his wife, Shannon Liddell, his son, Travis Liddell (Angela), daughter Erin Liddell-Schneider (Jim), grandchildren Siena, Priya and Kai Liddell, and Amelia and Henry Schneider, and brother Brent Liddell (Laurene). He is preceded in death by his parents Billy and Dorothy, and sister Shirley.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rick’s memory to one of his favorite charities: Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org/donate/ or the Rocky Mountain Conservancy https://rmconservancy.org/join-or-give/donate/.

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.” —Prayer of Saint Francis

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