Richard John Bender

Richard John Bender, former teacher in the Seattle school district, died suddenly on November 11th, 2017 at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife Nancy Bender, step-children Steve and wife Tina, and Jeff. As well as his siblings Kathy and Chuck Oxford, Lee and Grant Bender. He is also survived by grandchildren Bryttney and Brad Wahl, Brycen and fiancée Christina, Spencer, Jesse, Tanner and Alexis. Most recently, he was blessed with a great grandson, Landon Wahl. He was preceded in death by his parents; Walt and June Bender and sister Elaine.

Richard was born in Seattle on January 22nd, 1945 to Walt and June. He attended Ingram high school and went on to graduate from WSU with a degree in education. By 1966 he was a proud and loud Cougar alumni. After graduation he spent most of his adult life teaching math and German among other subjects, and in 1990 he married his wife, Nancy.

At age 52, he retired to enjoy life with his wife in Sultan, WA. There he became a substitute teacher in the Skykomish school district and continued to share his knowledge and impact the lives of new students and friends. In addition to being a teacher, Richard was an avid hiker accompanied by friends of 70+ years, Art and Ann Hedquist. His love for the outdoors started in his teens and continued throughout his life. Ranging anywhere from exploring the Cascade Mountains to maintaining his perfectly kept yard.

Whenever someone was in need of help with a project around the house or a ride to the doctor, Richard was always there. His heart was bigger than most and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Please join us on Saturday December 2nd at 1 PM for a memorial service at

First Baptist Church

315 8th St

Sultan, WA

A celebration of Richard’s life will immediately follow until 4 PM at

Bubba’s Roadhouse

924 W Stevens Ave

Sultan, WA 98294

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Gibby Home Fire Prevention foundation, this would be greatly appreciated. As it was one of Richards’s greatest passions, providing and installing free smoke alarms to those in need.

www.gibbyhomefireprevention.org