Obituary of Rick Shanley

Rickey (Rick) Wayne Shanley left this world in the early morning of April 1, 2024 at his home in Caldwell, Idaho.  Rick was born on April 18, 1946 to his mother, Wilma Jean Bowman, and father, Charles Henry Short.  When he was a toddler, his mother married Johnie Michael Shanley who later adopted him.

He grew up in Homedale, Idaho, having graduated in May of 1964.  In high school he participated in football, basketball and excelled in track. While in high school he joined the Army National Guard and upon graduation he headed to Fort Ord, California for his basic training.  He continued serving in the Guard for the next seven years.  In 1966 he married Mildreta Nash, his high school love.

He spent the majority of his working years first as a truck driver and then owning his own company, Rick Shanley Trucking.  In 1985 the name was changed to R.S.T., Inc.  What started as one old freightliner hauling spuds and grain grew into a diversified company hauling myriad freight all over the United States.  In 1985 he and his stepdad purchased Homedale Feed which he ran until 2003 when it was sold.

In his semi-retirement and retirement, he formed a partnership with his son, Kurt.  Some men play golf or fish to relax, Rick Shanley raised hay and cattle.  He enjoyed this endeavor until 2020 when his legs began failing him.  Finally in June of 2023, he was diagnosed with Progressive Muscular Atrophy, a rare form of ALS.  This meant uprooting their lives from their beloved home of thirty-seven years on a hill with a beautiful view overlooking Homedale to a one-story home near Lake Lowell in Caldwell, Idaho, which would accommodate his progressive illness.

It can be clearly said that Rick Shanley was a self-made man.  He found hard work exhilarating and passed that work ethic onto his four sons: Randy Wayne born in 1966, Kurtis Michael in 1969, Nicholas Steven in 1980 and Kyle Nash in 1982.

Having grown up mostly an only child, he reveled in parenting a houseful of busy, athletic, rowdy boys and entertaining all their many friends who came to visit.  He led by example and set a high standard for them to follow.  He was warm, affectionate, and they never doubted his love for them.  He was a special human who loved his wife and whole family more than himself.  To be loved by Rick Shanley was a special thing, indeed!

With his passing he leaves behind his wife and sons, his special daughters-in-law Nicole (Kurt), Jessica (Nick) and Vanessa (Kyle).  The grandchildren whom he adored include Erika (Blake), Sydnee (Kendall), Ari (Trent), Kinley, Reed, Devin, and Sloan.  He was also blessed with great grandchildren Oaklee, Kaiden, Ireland and Myles.  Other family members he leaves include his sister, Doni Lynn Shanley, his brother, Darren Krzesnik (Sherri) and his sister Kerry (Mark) Dines and numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest son, Randy Wayne and his eldest grandson, Brett Randall.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the Homedale High School Gym with a procession to follow to the Marsing-Homedale Cemetery.  This will be led by R.S.T.’s #155, a Peterbilt driven by Doug Loon, our beloved and long-time heavy-haul driver.  Immediately following the Interment, a tri-tip dinner will be served at the Homedale Community Center (fairgrounds) for family and friends to gather and rejoice in a life well lived.

The family suggests that any donations be made to the ALS Association for research, your local human society or a charity of your choice.