Richard Stewart Carter

May 10th, 1944 I Richard Stewart Carter came into this world kicking and screaming. On November 26th, 2025 I “rounded my last switchback” and departed this big blue planet a very contented and proud individual. I was raised in the Ballard area of Seattle by my parents D. Stewart Carter and Viginia B Carter where as kids we played baseball and football in the middle of the street and fished off Ray’s boathouse.

I graduated (just barely) from Ballard High School where I met a number of lifelong friends. I escaped Seattle at age seventeen and enlisted in the Army Reserves where I trained as a cook and baker. From 1963-1965 I attended Olympic Junior College after which I graduated from Central Washington University in 1971 with a minor in botany and major in geology. From 1960 until 1970 I worked for U.S Geological Survey in Alaska. During my first summer working in Alaska I had an unforgettable encounter with a black bear (that’s a story in itself).

June 10th, 1972 I married Phyllis Needles, the girl across the street in my old neighborhood. In 1985 we built our home on our 23-acre tree farm near Onalaska where Phyllis (Mrs. Carter) taught school.

I retired as a hydrogeologist after working 28 years for the state of Washington. In 1975 I joined the Salkum Fire Department where I volunteered as a fireman, lieutenant, captain, and retired as assistant chief in 2001, one of the most rewarding experiences of my life!

I was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association since 1971. I enjoyed hunting and loved to travel I especially enjoyed the 49 years I shared with my beloved wife. Our home on Pigeon Springs Road was our favorite place. IT WAS A GREAT RIDE!

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.