Richard Stanley Pedersen

Dick attended Stanwood High School where he played football, basketball and baseball. He claims he was not a star athlete, but he was very proud of pitching a no hitter against Oak Harbor. He held onto that game ball his whole life. He went on to coach youth sports throughout his life. Even into his 70’s, “Coach P” was instructing and encouraging young athletes.

Dick seemed to be born with the gift of gab and of leadership. Both would serve him well throughout his life. He was student body president of Stanwood High and of Western Washington College of Education (now Western Washington University), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education.

Dick married Marion Rice. Together, they raised their four children – Steven, Jeanne, Jay and KD – in Marysville. Marion passed away in 1981.

For his career, Dick taught school for a while, but his outgoing personality drew him to sales – from JC Penney in downtown Everett to later owning his own real estate and insurance company in Marysville for decades.

Over the course of his career, Dick worked on many real estate development projects in the greater Snohomish and Island County areas. He was instrumental in the creation of the housing development called Camaloch on Camano Island, a community built around a golf course and picturesque lake. He was also an original founder of the modern version of Camp Grande, a private cabin and camping resort also on Camano Island. Through these projects he helped develop communities that have created experiences and memories for countless families – a legacy that will live on through generations.

In the mid 1980s, Dick met Donna Riemland while trying to sell her insurance. History won’t remember if she bought the policy, but he won her over – and they married in 1985. Both were deeply involved in the Marysville community through their church, city politics and the business community.

Dick enjoyed giving back through volunteering. Among his favorite ongoing volunteer commitments was singing and performing at Bethany long term care and nursing home facilities in Everett. He was a gifted entertainer, and he brought smiles and songs to many residents over many years. The years of this volunteer work – and the Singing Strings group he sang with, were among his biggest joys.

Dick was also a poet. His poems live in the homes and hearts of many of his family members and friends. His written words are special to many but hearing him recite them was an even bigger a treat. The poems “Old on the Outside” and “Ode to the Hamburger” were among the favorites. We’ve included his poem “Faith” below. We think he’d like to leave you with that one.

Late in life, an Alzheimer’s diagnosis slowed Dick down but didn’t stop him. The disease frustrated him, and in support of someday unlocking a cure, he participated in clinical research. The dementia slowly stole his memories and his ability to function at the pace and level he was known for, but even in his final months, he still had his quick wit and sense of humor.

Dick leaves behind his children Jeanne, KD, Jay and step-daughter Kim; grandchildren Stacy, Adam, Eric, Keith, Cassandra, Derek, Drew, Riley, Emma, Christopher, Logan, Ellie, and several great grandchildren. And Dick leaves behind Donna, who will miss him forever. Dick and Donna had just celebrated 40 years of marriage. She held his hand as he peacefully passed.

Dick was preceded in death by Rick, Julie, Marion, Steve, Gordon, Bonnie and a lifetime of friends, including furry ones. We imagine quite a reunion in heaven.

His family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff of Bethany at Silver Lake, where Dick spent the final two years of his life. They took tremendous care of him and continually modeled their mission of enhancing the quality and dignity of life of those they serve. He felt that. And so did we.

If you want to donate to Bethany of the Northwest in Dick’s honor, so that others can receive such compassionate care, you can do so at bethanynw.org or by mailing a check to Bethany of the Northwest at 2235 Lake Heights Dr Everett, WA 98208.

Dick would have also appreciated your support of the Alzheimer’s Association at alzfdn.org or by mailing a check to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at 322 8th Avenue, 16th floor, New York, NY 10001.

Faith

Faith comes to children with effortless ease, A feeling of confidence, strong as the seas, But faith to the skeptic is hard to believe Until darkness finds him, there on his knees—

So have faith, faith like a child, my friend, Faith in tomorrow and faith to the end, For nothing is answered until it's been asked So, please seek forgiveness, accept it at last.

Wise men have told us a story so true, One that would answer, your longing, mine too, So, why don't we take it and use it each day We'll find that our worries will just fly away—

So have faith, faith like a child, my friend, Faith in tomorrow and faith to the end, For nothing is answered until it's been asked So, please seek forgiveness, accept it at last.

Return to your prayer time with comfort and ease, God will protect you, His giving won't cease, You've got to believe in that power within It won't e'er deceive you, so please don't give in—

But have faith, faith like a child, my friend, Faith in tomorrow and faith to the end, For nothing is answered until it's been asked So, please seek forgiveness, accept it at last.

Richard Stanley Pedersen