Richard George Rowland

Dick was born on November 12th, 1945 in Yakima to Dorothy and Thomas “Pat” Rowland. Sports were always a part of Dick’s high school life. He participated in football, basketball and track. His team held the record for the mile relay at Highland High School for many years. He graduated from high school in 1964. Dick’s father was a contractor and as a teenager Dick worked for him on many projects. He helped with Evans first cold storage and C.A. room. He also helped build the grocery store in Cowiche. After high school Dick attended Mt. Royal College in Calgary, Alberta on a football scholarship. Following an injury, he returned to Yakima Valley College and later Central Washington University. During these college years Dick worked in the summers for the state highway improving I-90 to Seattle.

Dick met Sandy Scaman in high school and they were married in 1968. Dick loved agriculture and following his marriage to Sandy he began working for Marley Orchards, a family owned business. He eventually became a partner in the company. Following a sale of Marley’s Dick worked for Pacific Fruit and dabbled in several entrepreneurial ventures. Dick and Sandy had three daughters and were married 54 years.

Throughout the years Dick belonged to several clubs including the Elks Club, 26A, and the Yakima Country Club. He served on the board of the Flying H boys ranch for many years. He was very passionate and vocal about his political beliefs. Anyone who knew him, knew exactly where he stood. He was a member of Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church. He had a special bond with members of a small group of men that met there together for years. He also attended Bible Study Fellowship for several years.

Dick is remembered for his quick wit. He never forgot a joke and loved to make people laugh.

Even as his health deteriorated he still joked with the care workers and family.

Through the years, Dick especially enjoyed his annual hunting and fishing trips with friends. Summers spent at Lake Pend Oreille with the family were especially fond memories for him. Going on cruises and visiting Disney World, Mexico and Hawaii were also favorite times. It brought joy to Dick to be there for all of his grandchildren’s sporting events. Although vocal at times “PaPa Dick” loved cheering them on.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Pat Rowland and his brother, Tom Rowland. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, and daughters Shelly(Lenny) Lizardi, Amy (Jay)Seely,

and Angie(Jed)Hougan. He had six grandchildren, Alyssa Lizardi, Matthew Lizardi, Madison Seely, Carter Seely, Brooks Hougan and Marley Hougan. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mary Jo and Manny Perez and their family, and many cousins and other special friends.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers from hospice as they were wonderful aiding Dick in his last days. They would also like to thank all the wonderful friends who helped the family near the end.

A memorial service will be held for Dick at 11:00 A.M on Friday April 21st at Grace of Christ Church, 9 S. 8th Ave., Yakima, Wash. A luncheon reception will follow. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to Cottage of the Meadow, Grace of Christ church, Flying H Boys Ranch or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Rowland family.

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