Richard Dean Bosse

Our beloved Richard D. Bosse, “Dick Mote,” 89, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025 in Arlington, WA, his residence since 2023. He was born in Aurora, IL.

Richard was the middle child of Viola (nee Rucker) and Leo Lincoln Mote. As a young man, he moved to Snohomish County with his mother who remarried. He graduated from Snohomish High School in 1953 and remained close with his many childhood friends through class reunions, golf outings and luncheons.

He later enrolled at the University of Washington while employed full time as a Cottage Parent/ Supervisor at Luther Burbank School for Boys on Mercer Island. He graduated in 1963 and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Seattle University in 1976.

Richard served in the Army in Germany from 1954-1957 as a Morse Code Interceptor, U.S. Army Security Agency. Following discharge, he found employment as a Records Officer at the Washington State Reformatory which sparked a desire to dedicate his life to humanity and sharing.

During his 37- year public service career, Richard served as Superintendent at Firland Correction Center in Seattle and at Indian Ridge Corrections Center in Arlington. He retired in 1994 from his position as Superintendent at the Special Offenders Center in Monroe. In 1993, He was honored to be a recipient of the Governor’s Distinguished Management Leadership Award. He served on the boards of the Valley General Hospital Foundation, Stillaguamish Senior Center, M-2 Job Therapy, and was a member of Rotary.

Richard would want to be remembered for his personal characteristics that have served as a model to all for treating others with integrity, kindness and respect. Equally important is his reputation for patience, the ability to compromise, and sensitivity to the perspective of others, most often demonstrated by his exceptional ability to listen. He was a loyal, loving husband and father who deeply touched and profoundly influenced our lives.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, sister Dixie Fitzthum, brother David Bosse, and grandson Austin Blackmer. He is survived by his devoted wife Donell, and blended family: sons Steven and Brian, daughter Kristin Blackmer, stepchildren Pamela Heppner and Greg Moss, sister Linda Moss, and nine precious grandchildren

Richard will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending.