Richard Joseph Urresti

Richard “Rich” Joseph Urresti fought his last fight on March 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Rich was born June 29, 1944, in Boise, Idaho, to Gus Urresti and Victoria Letemendi Urresti. He was raised in the Letemendi Basque boarding house in downtown Boise with his sisters, cousins, tias, tios, parents, Amuma, and seasonal sheepherders. Living in the boarding house taught him to be tough early. It was also during this time that he began his first entrepreneurial endeavors including shining shoes on street corners, selling day-old newspapers to bar patrons, and peddling peanuts at the baseball games.

Rich attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School until sports became his passion and begged his parents to attend North Jr. High where he excelled, especially in football. His accomplishments were many and his misadventures were legendary. He played varsity football at Boise High where his coaches agreed he was the toughest S.O.B on the team, playing both sides of the ball. Rich went on to play at Boise Junior College under coach Lyle Smith and finished his college career at Idaho State University where he received a degree in Education.

In addition to sports, Rich was an active member of the Basque community and an incredible mus player (Basque card game). As a teenager, he played with Severiano Legaretta and later partnered with his son, Fulgencio Legaretta, winning many championships. Rich was also a member of the Oinkari Basque Dancers and was renowned for his high kicking abilities.

Rich married Dee Ann Adams in 1964 in Boise, Idaho, where he taught and coached football, wrestling, baseball, and track at Bishop Kelly and Capital High. In 1972, Rich and Mick McConnell bought Sib Kleffner’s Sporting Goods Store and turned it into what is now known as McU Sports. Their love for the community was showcased by their continual sponsorships and support of various youth sports and events. The McU Sports slow pitch softball team was one of Rich and Mick’s pride and joy, after making it to the Nationals in Cleveland, Ohio. To this day, the boys still get together. Rich and Mick created a legacy through McU Sports that will always live on in the City of Trees.

Rich was a model Boise State Bronco alumnus, fan, and booster. As a former two-time All-American honored running back for the Broncos in 1962 and 1963, Rich was a strong supporter of the Varsity B club. Rich worked diligently to make the annual Gus Urresti Golf Tournament a success to fund the Gus Urresti Endowment for Football. Rich’s Dad was also a standout player for the Broncos and is a member of the Boise State Hall of Fame. Rich did many things behind the scenes to help Boise State football excel on the field. Along the way he created lifelong friendships with coaches, players, and administrators alike. Rich was a master tailgater who never ran out of chorizos or kalimotxos which he would share with many friends and even the opposing team’s fans.

More than anything, Rich knew how to have a good time. He was quick with a joke and loved sharing stories, card tricks, and feats of strength (old boarding house games). His family has fond memories of his many sayings including “why wouldn’t a guy,” “how bout that,” “you couldn’t buy this,” “you bet,” and “I love you man.” He enjoyed the outdoors where he could be found skiing, fishing, hunting, sailing, or watching a good sunset. Rich loved spending time with his family at the cabin in McCall and traveling to Mexico and Spain. In his later years, he relished the many friends that came over to watch a game at his house.

Rich is survived by his wife, Dee Ann, and their children Andrea McEntee Urresti, Gina (DJ) Kuehl, Victoria (Brenden) Fitzgerald, Miren Laughrin, and his boy Nick McConnell; his beloved grandchildren Victoria McEntee, Vanessa McEntee (Colton) Murphy, Gunnar (Alicia) Kuehl, Mackay Fitzgerald, Elena Kuehl (Adrian) Maldonado, Ayden McEntee, Grace McConnell, Joseph Fitzgerald, Mick McConnell, Karmelle Laughrin, and Challis Fitzgerald; and two great grandsons Sawyer Kuehl and Hudson Murphy. Rich is also survived by his sisters Delphina Arnold and Diana Sabala as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Please join us for a celebration of Rich’s life on Friday, April 26th, 2024, from 2:00-5:00 pm at The Basque Center in Boise, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Basque Center, 601 Grove Street, Boise, Idaho, 83702, or the Bronco Athletic Association, Allen Noble Hall of Fame: Fund Urresti Endowed Scholarship for Football, 1910 University Drive, Boise, Idaho, 87321.