Rich E. Greenshields

Rich was born at the Everett General Hospital, Everett, Washington September 14, 1943 to Frank and Luella Greenshields. He was the oldest of four boys. Rich, Doug, Ed, and Andy.

Rich married Miriam in June 1968 and together they had three children Lisa Smith, Mick, Mark and two grandchildren Austin and Kallie.

Rich grew up in Everett and attended Everett schools, Washington Elementary, North Middle School, and graduated from Everett High School.

In his growing up years he spent a lot of time in the summers at Tulalip Heights. He liked to ride his motorcycle and race his chopped car. His family enjoyed pheasant hunting in Eastern Washington and duck hunting. Rich was a real outdoorsman. He loved the trips to the sand dunes duck hunting with many of the firemen. Rich loved going to his duck shack on the Skagit River by Milltown that he owned since he was 16 years old. He liked to fish – deep sea salmon using downriggers and had his own 25’ fishing boat the Chaparral (named Water Dog). For over 18 years he regularly joined the guys for fishing in Craig, Alaska. Rich also loved his dogs. He had several Chesapeakes, Springers, Labs, and house mutts over the many years.

Rich was a lifetime member of Ducks Unlimited, Washington Waterfowlers, NRA, Citizens Rights to Bear Arms and active in LEOFF I for the fire department. He served on boards and committees.

He joined the Everett Fire Department in May 1968 and retired as a Captain in May 1998. Rich was very proud to serve on the Fire Department, he was proud of his work and proud of the Department. Rich was very active in the department helping at numerous parades and functions put on by the fire department. He was active and served on the Leoff I retirement board.

Rich liked tinkering in his shop and helped numerous people what ever they needed, fixing cars, chainsaws, you name it. And he liked to garden although he did not like to weed or harvest. If Rich ever borrowed something from you he always returned it like new. He would fix it, clean it, gas it, charge it or whatever but it always came back to you better than he borrowed it.

Rich and Miriam married in June 1968. They had three children, Lisa, Mick, Mark and two grandchildren Austin and Kallie. Rich was proud of his family. Rich and Miriam built their own home in l973 and Rich took great pride in this project. Rich had a crazy sense of humor - you kind of had to look for it but it was there. He liked to tease his wife by putting his chewed gum or toothpick in places you would not look for it - so while cleaning it was a challenge.

Rich would rather hunt and fish but he did take a few trips with his wife to England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales; Caribbean Cruise to Barbados, Australia and New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Alaska, Cabo San Lucas, Arizona, New Orleans, Greece and Greek Islands, Hawaii, Disney land, Branson, Mo.,

Rich was a little gruff on the outside but he had a heart of gold. He loved and was proud of his family. He loved his wife, his children and grandchildren very much. Rich took great pride in being the “hunter provider” and he provided well for his family. If there was a need Rich was always ready to help or rescue his family and friends anytime they called day or night. Rich didn’t say a lot, but he listened and had a good memory.

Rich had many health issues and fought a good fight. God called Rich home February 20,2022.

Even to your old age I am He, and even to your gray hairs will I carry you; I have made, and I will bear, even I will carry, and will deliver you. Isaiah 46:4

Rich leaves his wife Miriam of 53 years, children Mick, Mark, Lisa; grandchildren Kallie and Austin; brothers, Doug (Cathy), Ed (Sue), sister-in-law Mette (Chris) sister-in-law Corrine (Jerry), sister-in-law Margie. Several nieces and nephews.

Rich was preceded in death by his Dad Frank, Mother Luella, and brother Andy.

The family would like to acknowledge special thanks to Gabriela and Daniel for their care of Rich.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to your favorite charities

A Celebration of Life for Rich will be held Friday, March 11, 2022 from 1:00 PM at Evergreen Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4504 Broadway, Everett, WA 98203.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-FH.com for the Greenshields family.