Richard Frank Ross

Richard is survived by his loving wife Bonnie, brother Roland, children Steven Ross, Patrick Ross, Laura Bull, Cheryl Ross and Scott Ross. He also has six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Richard attended Cathedral Latin High School. He spent one year in Wisconsin at St. Bonaventure to study for the priesthood but found that this was not his calling. He returned to Cleveland, worked at the Chevy plant and attended Western Reserve University, then joined the Navy during the Korean Conflict.

Richard served at the naval hospital in Bethesda, Maryland where he met his first wife, Norma DesJardin. He was sponsored to enter the Naval Academy at Annapolis by a senior officer but chose to marry instead. After being discharged they moved to Seattle where her parents lived. One of Richard’s commanding officers, who was a teacher at the University of Washington, suggested that he attend school there to study pre-dental. He and Norma started a family, so he left school to find work.

He had several careers including owning a gas station and being a fire fighter at Sea-Tac Airport. He found his passion after taking flying lessons at Seattle Flight Service and was subsequently hired by Alaska Airlines as a pilot.

Richard and Norma divorced in 1962. After being single for a few years he married Bonnie in 1966 and they combined their two families: his three children, Steven, Patrick and Laura with her two children, Cheryl and Scott.

Richard flew for Alaska for 24 years. He flew several different types of equipment from the Lockheed Connie and Hercules, various Boeing aircraft, and finally the McDonald Douglas MD80. His career included flying to Asia, Prudoue Bay, Russian Charters, and after flying mainly between Washington and Alaska, he enjoyed flights south to warmer destinations.

He retired early (before 60) due to an illness that made flying too challenging. Besides partnering in a boutique wine distributorship, he had various jobs including being an usher at the Kingdome and working for Lowe’s in California in the tool dept.

In 2002 when Bonnie retired, they decided to move to the California desert to live in a warmer climate. After 15 years there Bonnie decided that it was time to move back to Washington to be close to family. Since they had family in the area, they moved to Ferndale. They resided in a 55+ community with their daughter, Cheryl, until his passing.

Richard was an avid Seattle sports fan. He loved his Huskies, Mariners and Seahawks. He was a U of W Tyee Club and Alumni member and had football tickets for many years. He attended every game, including Nebraska, the year that they were national champs. He owned Ms tickets while he was an usher.

Bonnie believes that even with several medical issues Richard lived to 89 years due to the love of his family and good doctors in Seattle, California, and Bellingham. The family is very grateful for the excellent care he received from Whatcom Hospice in his final days.

Bonnie appreciated the fact that even though he changed residences and cars an average of every 2 years, he stayed with her for over 55.

Richard set the standard high for himself and everyone else, including the driver in the next car.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Richard will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever in our hearts!

REST IN PEACE

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawn-seattle.com for the ROSS family.