Richard Carrick Renstrom

Richard C. Renstrom, age 90, of Caldwell, Idaho, died Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Richard was born April 1, 1935, in Washington, D.C., and attended Boise High School and Boise Junior College.

He married Betty Chambers on June 9, 1956. Richard became a world-renowned expert on the history of motorcycles, authoring five books and over 800 feature magazine articles in publications world-wide. He was also a professional photographer, with over 5,000 published photographs, and the owner of Classics Unlimited, a business focused on importing and marketing classic motorcycles.

He served on the Idaho Arts and Humanities Commission and was awarded Outstanding State Employee by the Governor of Idaho in 1968. He also served as Director of Tourism Development for the State of Idaho from 1969-1971, was Executive Director for the Youth Service Bureau of Boise, and a manager for the Caldwell office of the Idaho Department of Employment. He was active in many clubs including, the Idaho Writers League, MG Car Club, Idaho Vintage Motorcycle Club, and the North American Classic Motorcycle Club.

He ventured into the mountains frequently and was an avid bird-hunter, even writing a book on the ruffed grouse of Idaho, based on over 14 years of hunting experience and research. 

Richard is survived by his wife, Betty; his sister, Carol Brever; and his children: Catherine, Patricia, Brian, Mary, and their spouses; as well as six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 11:30 am at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1122 W. Linden Street in Caldwell, with a reception to follow. Services are under the care of Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. (208) 459-0833