Richard Norman Severson's Obituary
Richard Norman Severson
Dick was born in Bend, Oregon on December 2, 1932. He passed away at his home in Tacoma on February 1, 2023.
He was born to Robert and Gladys Severson. They lived in Bend for his first few years before moving to Vancouver, WA and then to Eatonville, WA when he was 10 years old. He grew up to become an Eatonville Cruiser, proudly graduating from Eatonville High School in 1950 as a member of the “Checkered Hat Gang”. During high school, at the age of 15, Dick met the love of his life, Donna Baker, while at a 4-H camp. He smoothly winked at her, saying “Hello Honey” and they quickly became an item. They married four years later on December 27, 1951 and celebrated 71 wonderful years of marriage.
After graduation, he worked at the Brown and Haley Candy Factory until November. He then joined the Air Force for a four year term. He and Donna were married in December and, shortly after their wedding, he was sent to Japan and Korea for a 16 month tour. He finished serving his term in Washington D.C. in 1954, at which time they moved back to Washington State.
Following his term with the Air Force, he started working in telephone construction as a cable splicer and lineman. He was fortunate in being able to travel with his jobs and see some of the country. He was in Alaska for a season and was there when it became a state. He was later sent to Hawaii to supervise a company expansion. While the assignment was intended to be a ten month stay, it ended up extending to eight years. He and his family enjoyed life in Hawaii and were there when it became a state. Shortly after returning to Washington, he partnered a private business for five years during the early 70’s. His final employment was with Potelco, Inc. He finished his career as superintendent, retiring in 1995. He was successful throughout his entire career due to his knowledge, capabilities and his strong people skills.
Dick enjoyed working on cars and restoring antique vehicles, woodworking, camping, hunting and enjoying good times, including games of Farkle, with family and friends. He was a warm hearted, loving, Christian man with a big heart, beautiful smile, and a great sense of humor!
He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his loving and beloved wife, Donna Severson. Their marriage was a beautiful example of a love that grew deeper each year and will continue on forever. He is also survived and forever loved by their 7 children; Debbie (Gary ) Sanders, Diana (Dan) Williams, Doreen (Dennis)Hanson, Rich (Kathy) Severson, Denise (Mike) Foster, Roger (Kathy) Severson, Dawn (Rick) Knowles, 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, several brothers and sisters in-law and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Gladys Severson, his brother, Robert “Seve” Severson and his sister, Betty Grinde.
Dick was very involved in the parish life at St. John of the Woods Catholic Church during his 56 years as a parishioner; serving as youth group advisor when his kids were teens, working security, holding the position of Facilities Supervisor, and being a heartwarming, welcoming greeter and usher. He has built many special friendships with his church family.
A viewing will be held at Mountain View Funeral home on February 16th from 10am – 4pm.
The rosary will be held at St. John of the Woods Catholic Church on February 17th at 11:30am with mass to follow.
The graveside service will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home on February 17th at 1:30pm.
A reception and celebration of his life will be held at the St. John of the Woods Catholic Church hall immediately following the graveside service.
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