Richard Coats

Richard (Dick) Edwin Coats, age 80, passed away peacefully at his daughter's home in Arlington, Washington on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 of congestive heart failure. He was born on May 24, 1932, in Dallas, Oregon.

He lived in the Northwest for most of his life, spent some time in Michigan and New Hampshire during the latter years of his career with Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, and finally retired and returned to Washington State. Dick earned a Bachelor's Degree from the Oregon College of Education, and served in active duty with the Army during the Korean War. His passions included handball, fishing, and his quarterly meetings in Salem with his life-long friends Carolyn Abbott, Gene Lebold, Gene and Sally Wagner, Ron Brunk, Dick Klinefelter, the late Dale Olsen, among others.

He is survived by his children, John, Amy and Jess; his grandchildren, Rachel, Lydia, Jessica, Janelle, Jeremy, and Michael, and his great-grandchildren Julien and Chance.

A celebration of his life will be held in Salem, Oregon on July 21, 2012. The time and location are yet to be determined. Details will be published when they are available. Relatives and friends will be welcome at the event.