Richard Sleeth

Richard (Dik) Sleeth filed his final flight plan on Wednesday 9/11/2024 and left for his next journey.

Dik is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Sleeth, his children Kathleen (Alan) Edgecombe and Ted (Kristin) Sleeth and another son-in-law, David Moore. He and Mary were blessed with four grandchildren: James Moore, Caroline “Lou” Moore, Grayson Sleeth and Hayden Sleeth. Alan, was a long-time running buddy before coming an official member of the family.

Dik graduated from Purdue University and was a pharmacist for his entire career. He spent this time practicing pharmacy first at Hood’s Pharmacy and then St. Joseph Drugs. He moved to Mercy Hospital and set up the outpatient pharmacy.

Dik loved to fly.  He was a member of a flying group and took many trips with his kids to baseball games, theme parks etc., often through turbulent weather and challenging landings.  The highlight of his flying time was taking an aerobatics course in an open cockpit biplane. Even though both kids probably had a little PTSD after many of the trips, his ability to never panic in any of these situations always made them realize they would be okay.  Mary was the smart one and went on one flight with him and called it good.

Dik in his day was an avid runner competing in several marathons, including the Boston Marathon. He also organized and ran the Illinois Track Club’s Freedom Marathon at Allerton Park for many years.

When running was no longer viable he decided to join a swim team, where he competed with a Masters Swim Group.  He took up cycling and enjoyed riding along the country roads, checking out the progress of the crops. He enjoyed cars, especially MG’s so much that he purchased a friends, after serious negotiation at a poker game only to realize that he would need to basically learn to become a mechanic or hire one as a live-in.  He of course did the former and became so proficient that people in the MG club would often reach out for advice or repairs.

Anything he tackled or decided to do he would go into full steam and head strong until he figured it out.  His mantra was “do it right or don't do it at all”.  He was a mentor to both kids, leading more by example than teaching with lessons of treating people how you would want to be treated, living below your means and generally making the world better than you found it either through better communication or actions.  He was gregarious and loved a good conversation.  It was well known, if you asked him the time he would tell you how to build a watch.  He loved good pizza, only pepperoni of course and Guiness beer.  He lived life by his rules and pursued his interest with passion and fortitude.

Dik’s love of history led to his granddaughter Lou to become a history teacher. And his grandson is following in his grandparents’ (Mary included) steps of becoming a pharmacist.

He was loved by his family and was a friend to many; he will be greatly missed.  One of his favorite sayings when his children were in some sort of challenging situation, he would say to his wife Mary, “they will be fine”

RIP Dik we love you and will miss you. Thanks to all you showed us, we will be fine

No services will be held at this time. 

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