August 13, 1941 - January 29, 2018
Rich (Age 76) passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Margie Fitzgerald of Nine Mile Falls and father of Kelly Vedaa (Rich) of Woodinville, WA, Molly Heggenes (Garth) of Clinton, WA and Patrick Fitzgerald (Rachel) of Spokane. Born in 1941 in Red Lodge, MT, the son of Martin and Gladys Fitzgerald. At a young age, his family moved from Lemon, SD to Chewelah, WA where he attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and helped his family at their Ford Dealership, learning a trade in the automotive industry. In 1959, he moved to Spokane and started his career as a skilled mechanic with Buchanan Chevrolet. Rich treated others like he would want to be treated which impressed the owner, Buck Buchanan, who gave Rich the nickname of “Junior”. Rich made friends easily and was well liked by all, allowing him to be promoted to VP of Service. Rich’s passion for automobiles lead him to opening his own business, Fitzgerald Motors in 1985. He became a well trusted friend and mechanic to many in the community and for years to come. Rich restored numerous classic Chevies which won many awards in car shows throughout the Pacific Northwest. He retired in 2015, entrusting Fitzgerald Motors to his son Pat. Upon his retirement, Rich and Margie spent time enjoying their home together, surrounded by wildlife on Long Lake. Rich is survived by the mother of his children Doll Fitzgerald, brother Larry Fitzgerald of Colville, Grandchildren Kolby, Cale, Dane, Gage, nephews, nieces, and predeceased by his two sisters Kathleen Newbury and Karen Forney, both of Spokane. Rich will be forever missed by his family, many friends, beloved kitty and dogs. A celebration of Rich’s life will be held at 9:30 am, on Saturday, February 10 at the Sunset Chapel inside Fairmount Memorial Park, 5200 W. Wellesley Ave, Spokane. Please join us following the ceremony at the Fieldhouse Pizza & Pub, 4423 W. Wellesley Ave. Memorial donations in the memory of Rich may be made to Union Gospel Mission, 1224 E. Trent Ave., Spokane, WA 99202.
