Richard D. Regalado

Richard D. Regalado, 54, passed on into the presence of the Lord on February 25, 2011, from complications due to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Rick endured the disease with dignity and bravery for 2 ½ years.

Rick was born to Daniel and Elisa Regalado in Douglas, AZ, on May 5, 1956, and lived his early life in Sunnyside and Othello, WA, before moving to Spokane in 1980.

Rick graduated from Othello High School in 1974. It was there in Othello where he met his wife Nancy Struthers who he married in April of 1983. He began a 30-year railroad career in Othello starting with the Milwaukee Railroad joining the Burlington-Northern Santa Fe Railroad in Spokane until ALS forced his retirement in 2009.

Rick was a master wood craftsman and could design and build anything, often spending hours in his shop making gifts for family and friends. Mostly he loved spending time at home with his wife and two beloved daughters. He was a proud Coug Dad and devoted fan of the Mariners and Seahawks.

Rick had a fantastic wit and sense of humor and loved a great laugh. If you needed an answer to anything, Rick could be counted on. His hard work and sacrifices for his family inspired us. He was a stubborn perfectionist and it showed in his woodwork, but he balanced this with a tender, compassionate heart that we will forever remember. We love our “Mijo”, Dad, Sweetie, “Dirkie”, brother, and Uncle Rick. He will be missed beyond words.

Rick is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Jessica Bumsted (Justin) of Spokane and Sarah Regalado of Redmond, WA; parents, Daniel and Elisa Regalado of Othello; brothers, Ron (Kathryn) of Bellevue, WA, Ed (Deanne) of Minot, ND, Charlie (Linda) of Spokane, Jerry (Stephanie) of Phoenix, AZ; and a sister, Kathy Alston (Jerry) of Temecula, CA. He also leaves behind 15 nephews and nieces and four grand-nieces.

Memorial service will be held at Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, 1306 N. Monroe St. in Spokane on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to alsso.org in honor of Rick Regalado, to benefit local families with loved ones stricken with ALS.