Richard Franklin's Obituary
Captain Richard (Dick) J. Franklin
At age 96 died at home June 7, 2012 in Lakewood with his partner of 20 years, Evelyn Grant, by his side. He was the first baby born in St Joseph's Hospital on August 24, 1915. Born to Maurice Harvey and Monica Whelan Franklin, Dick was raised in Tacoma, attending Marymount Military Academy. After graduating from O'Dea High School, Dick attended Seattle University until the 1929 crash. He then worked various jobs until being hired by Foss Launch and Tug. He became a Tugboat Captain, working 42 years for Foss. In his time with Foss, Captain Franklin was involved in aiding the Navy shipyards during World War II and serving for the Navy as a Hydrofoil test pilot in the 80's. Dick fought every major fire from the wheelhouse of a Foss Tug in the Tacoma waterfront until retirement, including the disastrous fire at Pier 7. He was a respected Captain who knew the waterways of Commencement Bay and Puget Sound.
As men of the world, Dick traveled with a fellow Foss Captain to New York. During this trip he was introduced to Genevieve Erickson in Battle Lake, MN, who followed him west to Tacoma where they were married in 1942. Dick & Gen lived on Union Street, where their four children were born, becoming involved in their community and making lifelong friendships. They eventually built a home on 76th and Alaska where their generosity and sense of family which continued to include an extended family well beyond their own children.
Following the death of Gen, Dick reconnected with his teenage sweetheart, Evelyn Grant. Dick and Evie lived in Lakewood where they enjoyed dancing, growing his roses, and the love of family and friends until his passing.
During his lifetime, Richard was a member of the following organizations: the Elks Club, the Propeller Club, Foss Luncheon Club, first President of South End Boys Club's Parents Club, Eldorado Golden Dollar Club, and the Catholic Church.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife Genevieve, his only brother Jack, and one granddaughter Colleen Franklin.
He is survived by his four children: Richard, Jr., Bill, Anna (William Armstrong), and Suzi (Skip Smart). His eight grandchildren include Brian and family of Tacoma, Jim and family of Buckley, and Jennifer Pitkin and family of Hanford, CA; Julie Jones and family of Port Angeles, and Joseph and family of Port Angeles, WA; Briana and Michael Armstrong of Duvall; and Joshua Franklin from the Island of Oahu, HI.
Graveside Services will be held at 1:30 on Saturday, June 23rd at Mountain View Cemetery.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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