Richard Whiteside's Obituary
Rick passed thru the gates of Heaven on March 27th surrounded by his wife, Judy and his children at his Anderson Island Home. Rick was born in Galesburg, Illinois on October 15, 1931. He was 7 of 8 children. Rick quit school early so that he could go to work and help support his family in those depression years. He joined the Navy when he was old enough and got his high school degree while in the Navy. He was very proud of being a Korean War Veteran. He was a deep sea salvage diver while in the Navy.
Rick did many things after he got out of the Navy. He worked on the railroad in Illinois for a time, moved to California and eventually to Anchorage Alaska where he worked on the Alaska Railroad as a conductor. He was also a AAA Baseball umpire and was instrumental in setting up both boys and girls Little League programs in Alaska. While in Alaska Rick, with his wife, built a large Amway business which took them to the Emerald Level.
Rick retired in 1993 and moved to Vancouver WA. Where they could be closer to their Grandchildren.
His favorite thing in the world was being a Grandpa. A sign hangs over his desk that says (Grandpa, easy to operate, any child can do it.) Rick is survived by his wife Judy, eight children listed oldest to youngest Sherry Coffey of Tacoma WA, Madolyn Freburger of Phoenix AZ, Carolyn Piaskowski of Anchorage AK, Richard D. Whiteside Jr. of Phoenix AZ, Tracy Whiteside of Forest Grove Or, Lisa Ferguson of Boardman Or, Robert D. Whiteside of Gresham Or., and a Brother Del Whiteside of Kelso WA.
Rick touched the hearts of so many people in one way or another with his no nonsense conversations on manhood and the responsibility of being a husband and a father. He will be truly be missed. Rick was a member of the Anderson Island American Legion and was a union member of the UTU.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations be made to Hospice or A.I. Christian Fellowship Church on Anderson Island. We will have an Honor Guard graveside service on May 2nd at 10:00 AM after which our friends and family are invited to come to our Island home for a BBQ.
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