Richard Allen Hirsch

Richard (Rick) Hirsch, 61, Seattle, died Sunday, April 5 of natural causes in his home in Madison Park. Rick was a 20-year resident of Seattle and passionately loved his adopted home in the Emerald City. He was born and raised in Hammond, Indiana and graduated from Indiana University. He would later call Chicago, New York and California home. He spent the early years of his career working in his family's mens clothing business, which led to later successes in the mens apparel manufacturing industry. Rick's career allowed him to travel throughout the world, extensively in Asia and ultimately led him to Seattle.

Rick was engaged in life and understood the importance of living every day to its fullest. He was often heard saying, "We only have a short time on this planet, so you better have a good time while you're here." A good time to Rick could mean a lot of things, including traveling, good food, design in all its manifestations, talking with friends, passionate discussions of the social, political, and economic issues of the day, enjoying the great outdoors and shopping the Mens department at Nordstroms.

Rick also realized great joy through helping and giving to others. He had numerous favorite organizations and causes, including KTCS Seattle PBS, Lambda Legal and the Seattle Art Museum. Donations in his name can be made to any of these organizations.

Rick is survived by his spouse, John Sulenta of Sacramento and all of John's Hawaii 'ohana. Brothers Larry (Susan) and Michael, nephew Ben, niece Alana--all of Illinois; and uncle and aunt Mike and Barbara Bass of Ohio and Daisy Silva of Riverside, CA. Rick was preceded in death by his parents Robert and June.

A family memorial service is planned for later this year in Hammond, Indiana. Other private remembrance events are being planned to honor Rick's memory and the energy and passion he brought to everything during his time on this planet.