Richard D. Gerber passed away May 29, 2013 at his home in Auburn after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. His family and loved ones were by his side. He was born Aug. 29,1949 in Soda Springs, Idaho to David and Illa Gerber. He was the oldest of three children. Richard has a younger brother and sister that are twins. He was raised on the family Farm in Montpelier, Idaho and loved every aspect of farm life. He graduated from Montpelier High School and attended Idaho State University and graduated with a degree in Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanics.Richard fullfilled an LDS Mission in the Alaska British Columbia Mission. He loved and respected the natives there and loved working with them. He had a deep love for the gospel and had a strong testimony of it. He held various church callings and was a member of the Seventy. Richard married Joy Johnson of Grace, Idaho on Sept 10, 1976 in the Logan LDS Temple. They have one son, Jeremy, who was not only a son but a best friend. Richard worked as a diesel mechanic at Stauffer Chemical in Leefe, Wyo., and also worked several years at the coal mine in Kemmerer. At the time of his death he was employed at JR Simplot Smokey Canyon Mine where he had just received his award, on May 8 of this year, for 30 years of service. Richard loved farming and was happiest when he was out running the farm equipment. He enjoyed his job at Simplot as a loader operator and he loved running all types of equipment (the bigger the better). He loved getting firewood for the winter and his idea of a vacation was going in the hills camping and getting wood. He loved his tractor and you would often see him out and about tilling gardens for neighbors and friends, cleaning ditches and plowing snow. During the past few months, as he has been in and out of the hospital, his family was told he was an excellent patient. The doctors and nurses all commented on how patient and kind he was, doing anything they ask and never asking for much. He was in good spirits and never lost his patience or sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his wife, Joy, and his son Jeremy; his mother, Illa; and sister, Linda of Glenrock, Wyo.; and his brother, Lynn, of Pocatello. Idaho. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, who he loved. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 3 with interment in the Auburn Cemetery. We will miss his cute smile and gentle hand.