Richard M. Warr

July 24, 1927-February 7, 2011

Richard M. Warr passed away on February 7, 2011 in Sunnyside, Washington. He was born to Merrill R. Warr and Leora Erickson on July 24, 1927 at the family ranch in Oakley, Idaho. His early education took place in Oakley, Idaho.

He was drafted into the army on November 30, 1945. He served with the Army of Occupation in Japan as a Medical Laboratory Technician with 28th General Hospital until his discharge on January 4, 1947. He was then awarded the Victory medal upon completion of service.

Upon returning home, he finished his education by attending Brigham Young University and was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He then went on to continue his studies at Gradwohl School of Medical Technology in St. Louis, Missouri where he received a degree in Medical Technology and his certification as an MT (ASCP). After a brief career in the Medical Technology field, he then entered the field of hospital administration at which time he attended Cornell University and obtained a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration. He operated hospitals for Lutheran Hospitals and Homes in Wyoming, North and South Dakota, and Nebraska as a regional administrator. He then spent several years working for the Montana State Health department as a nursing home regulator where he was responsible for writing and implementing new regulations, codes, and site regulations that are still utilized today. During his tenure with the Montana State Health department he served on President Johnson’s Medicare Advisory committee that established Medicare regulations.

After leaving Montana, he came to Washington to work for the Washington State Hospital Association and ran a research project for the Kellogg Foundation on the subject of long-term care. He then went on to operate a large nursing home facility in Salem, Oregon. After leaving Oregon, he then returned to Washington to operate and administer Toppenish Community Hospital or formally known as Central Memorial Hospital. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife Carmelia and had his three daughters.

During his career he served on the Red Cross Board, EMS Council, Rotary Club, and the Yakima Valley Farmworkers Board. His hobbies included music, music composing, war history, aviation history, and movies. He was an avid aviator and loved to play his favorite set of drums. He played with and conducted many bands over the years.

His survivors include his wife of 37 years, Carmelia, daughters Tracie Warr, Allison (Mike) Blodgett, Kristy Warr, and his grandchildren Andre Blodgett, Olivia Blodgett, and Kalea Blodgett. He is also survived by his three brothers, Keith (Betty) Warr, Gary (Cheri) Warr of Idaho, Glenn (Cheri) Warr of Utah, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, one uncle, and one cousin.

The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, February 18, 2011 at 3:00 pm at the Keith & Keith Terrace Heights Chapel. Viewing will be held on February 16th & 17th from 4-8 p.m. at Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel in Yakima. For an online guest book and to celebrate the life of Richard visit www.keithandkeith.com.