Richard Elvin Rice

Richard E. Rice (Dick), 86, of Yakima, died April 6, 2011, at Angel House in Yakima. He was born January 23, 1925,in Aberdeen, WA, the son of Clyde and Louise Rice. He attended school in Aberdeen and graduated from Weatherwax High School. In 1943 he married Shirley M. Lea in Aberdeen. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943, serving in the South Pacific, and was discharged in 1945. During this period, a son, Michael, was born. Upon completion of military service, Dick and Shirley made their home in Hoquiam, WA, while he completed his apprenticeship as a printer at the Aberdeen Daily World. Their daughter, Karen, was born during this time. In 1951, in search of blue sky, sunshine and a dry climate, they moved to Yakima. Dick worked for the Yakima Herald-Republic for 38 years, first as a printer and later as production manager. Printing was his first love. He retired in 1989. Dick loved travel, music, dancing, gardening and being with family and friends. He organized many family picnics and reunions. He was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church. He belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was active in the Sons of Norway Lodge, although Shirley was the Norwegian. During the children's school years, the family's passion was waterskiing and vacation travel. He was an avid sports fan, closely following Eisenhower and Davis High School competitions.

Dick is survived by a son, Michael Rice of Boynton Beach, Florida; a daughter, Karen (Dan) Fortier of Yakima; brothers Lee (Lois) Rice of Seattle, WA, and Doug (Janet) Rice of Montesano, WA. He also left behind five grandchildren, Lisa (Tony) Buak of Wenatchee, WA; Michelle Fortier of Yakima; Andy Fortier of Portland, OR; Tyler Rice, attending Duke University, Durham, NC, and Carter Rice, attending Wellesley College in Boston, MA; and five great-grandchildren, Taylor, Perrie, Kendal, Miles and Oly. He is also survived by his special friend, Shirley Lyons of Yakima. Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, his parents, Clyde and Louise Rice, and brother, Bob.

The family wants to thank the caregivers at Landmark Care Center, Englewood Heights Assisted Living, Good Samaritan Health Care Center, Angel House and Yakima Regional Hospice for their kindness and compassion during the last year.

Visitation will be from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 9th and Sunday, April 10th at Keith and Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 11th at West Hills Memorial Park, with full military honors conducted by William Wharton Post 379 VFW and the Washington State National Guard. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the United Christian Church, 317 S. 41st Street, in Terrace Heights. Memorials are suggested to the donor's favorite charity. For an online guest book and to celebrate the life of Richard visit www.keithandkeith.com.