Ricky Lee Cowles, 61, passed away in his home on September 26th, 2023. Rick was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew and friend to many. He was vibrant and full of life. He enjoyed fishing, camping, scuba diving and traveling. He enjoyed taking trips to Rosalyn with his boys. He was a champion dart player, softball player, bowler and boxer and had many trophies on display in his home. He enjoyed watching the races, UFC, boxing and LOVED the Seattle Seahawks. His smile and charismatic personality could light up any room that he walked into. He also loved to cook and had some killer dance moves. He was well known and loved by many in the Yakima Community. Rick had a large group of close friends that he saw just about daily and loved them as if they were his own family. He was a regular at The Dutch in Yakima and had "his seat", and could be found there daily at 2pm playing pull tabs and only used the green basket. Rick has been an active community member. He was formerly part of the VFW in Yakima and played with various local softball teams and bowling leagues, most recently he had been a member of frontier bowling league. Rick also loved to support youth athletics. He frequently attended various high school games and tournaments, especially those that involved Davis High School.
Rick was born to Myra and Richard Cowles on August 13th, 1962. He was the youngest of 3 children. He graduated from A.C. Davis High School in 1980. After high school he worked at Tree Top doing various jobs, and enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corp in 1983. He completed boot camp in San Diego and was stationed in Okinawa Japan. Rick returned to Yakima in 1986 and was transferred to the U.S Marine reserve. He started working for Hanford Fire Department and recently completed 33 years of service. For years, Rick spent months at a time battling wildfires throughout Washington, Idaho and Oregon State. Rick was a hard worker his whole life and he loved the United States and his Yakima Community. He was very proud of all of his accomplishments in life, and was very proud to serve this beautiful country.
Rick is predeceased by his parents Mrya and Richard Cowles and sister Lisa Cowles.
He is survived by his daughter Amanda Folk; Son in law, Kyle Folk; Granddaughters, Kaylee Folk, Amelia Folk, Kyra Folk; Sister, Brenda Zimmerman; Nieces and nephews, Krista Zimmerman, Amber Chavez, Joshua Zimmerman, Kenny Zimmerman, Andrea Benge, Shaun Turner, Cheryl Matthews and her daughter Tierra Taurer; Aunt, Waneta Reynolds; Best friend of over 50 years, who is more like a brother, Tim Alvarado; And also his fur babies, dog Bella and cat Mur Mur.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 7th at 9:00am, at Langevin funeral home, 1010 W Yakima Ave. Burial is to follow at the Terrace Heights Cemetery. A reception will be at 12:30pm, at the VFW. A main course will be provided and the family would like to invite friends and family to provide a side dish that Rick would have loved. The family would also like to welcome those that would like wear Seahawks attire, as Rick loved the Seattle Seahawks. But, he really would not care what you wore, just as long as you came to pay your respects.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Cowles family.
