Rick was born in Republic, WA on April 6, 1943, and raised in Spokane, WA. Rick passed on June 5, 2024 surrounded by his loving wife Vicki and dear friends Vonna and Jeannie. He graduated Mead High School in 1962. He went on to serve in the Navy Reserves, then 3 years active duty aboard the USS Ticonderoga Aircraft Carrier based in the South China Sea. Rick married Vicki Rhoad on March 5, 1966 whom he'd known since 1949.
After graduation, Rick attended Everett Community College and worked at the Weyehaeuser Lumber Mill during the summer. Following college, Rick and Vicki moved to Seattle where he worked for Raytheon. Later hired by the US Civil Service at Keyport Naval Torpedo Station, working the next 28 years as a torpedo builder. Rick was a loving husband who had a kind and gentle heart. He loved his wife, golf, and DQ blizzards. He won numerous golf tournaments and had 5 hole in one's.
They hosted 5 exchange students from Europe and spent time backpacking through Europe visiting them. Rick enjoyed fishing (salt & fresh water), hunting, bowling, gardening, shuffleboard, card games, bocce ball and building his 3000 sqft home with Vicki. He raised rabbits, pigs, cows and many dogs and cats over the years. Rick and Vicki took a 2 month trip camping in their RV to Alaska. Rick was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church. Was past President of the Gold Mountain Mens Club, Bremerton WA. Past President of Venture Out Shuffleboard. He recently served as head usher at Venture Out Resort Church Services, Mesa, AZ where they spent their winters.
Rick is survived by his beloved wife Vicki of 58 years, sisters Patsy and Mary along with numerous nieces, nephews who were very dear to his heart. Rick is preceeded in death by his parents Lee and Ida, sister Shirley (Jerry) and brother Bob.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St Luke Lutheran Church on Saturday June 22, 2024 at 10:00am, 9704 N Division St, Spokane, WA, 99218.
In lieu of lfowers, memorials may be made in Rick's name to the Sunshine Acres Children's Home,
3405 N Higley Rd, Mesa, AZ, 85215.
Dear, sweet Rick, my American dad. It is so hard to grasp that you are no longer hanging out with Vicki, golfing, visiting with friends, getting the new home ready and just enjoying life. I haven't seen you since 2016, when we met up in Yellowstone with Vicki and my husband and two sons, but you will forever have a place in my heart. The year I spent with you and Vicki (and Snowie, Bula...), on Van Slyke Lane in Poulsbo back in 1978-79, gave me so much and helped me become the adult I am. Your sweet nature, your corny jokes, your warmth. I knew I could always count on you and that you would have my back, no…