Richard A. Sanbeck's Obituary
Richard -Å"Dick- Sanbeck
Richard (Dick) Sanbeck was born February 18, 1935 at Tacoma General Hospital, Tacoma, Washington. Dick was an only child whose family settled in the Tacoma area while it was still a territory. Dick is preceded in death by his parents Herbert Art Sanbeck, Rosalyn Bailey and youngest daughter, Jessica Dukes.
While attending the College of Puget Sound, Dick, a classical pianist, played on the radio and also at Emanuel Presbyterian Church to help meet his college expenses. At Puget Sound, he majored in geology and was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity, and the Air Force ROTC program. Dick also studied Military Science with concentration in Psychological Warfare.
In his younger days, Dick was an active member in Sacramento's 20-30 Club, and also an avid golfer.
Dick had a quiet, laid-back personality with infinite patience. He was liked and loved by everyone he met. His passion for photography often found him in his yard on his stomach waiting for the wind or sun to hit the right spot, so that he could take one of the many beautiful flower pictures that he was so well known for. In addition to flowers, he also enjoyed photographing all types of critters. He loved nature photography! Dick inspired many others to do the same.
In 1970 he met and married the love of his life -" Earline. The love affair lasted 40 years and blended a family of nine children, Nancy, Eric, Daryl, Tim, Lori, Cheri, Yasmine, Marissa, and Jessica. There are twenty-two grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren. He found much joy in photographing his brood.
Dick had a myriad of work experiences. Following graduation from Sacramento State College, where he earned a degree in Social Science, he went on to graduate school. He later began working at Sacramento County Welfare Department as a social worker. He also worked as a Correctional Officer at FCI Lompoc. He also joined his wife, in their family owned real estate business, Sanbeck Reality, where he and Earline employed 25 people. Upon returning to Washington State, he worked as a Para-educator for the Puyallup School District. All who loved him will sorely miss Dick.
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