Richard A. Wilson's Obituary
Richard Allen (Dick) Wilson, passed away peacefully in the arms of his son on March 30, 2024. Born to Leonard Edgar Wilson and Ami Stack Wilson on May 22, 1931, he was lovingly raised by his father and new mother Virginia Davis Wilson after Ami died when Richard was 5 months old.
Richard was known to his family as “Rich” and to co-workers as “Dick”. He grew up in Tacoma surrounded by a large extended family. He graduated from Lincoln High School, followed by two years as a U.S. Navy Reservist and a short time at “the Mill” on the Tacoma waterfront before joining the Tacoma Fire Department where he served with distinction for 34 years. Lieutenant Dick Wilson retired from the Fire Department in 1987 having received commendations for bravery in rescue operations. He loved his job working alongside fellow firefighters who remember Dick Wilson for his downhome cooking and enthusiastic conversation.
A fishing, hunting, and gardening enthusiast, Richard happily shared his bounty with family and neighbors with a ready smile and handy story for every occasion. Over the years he bravely embarked on countless state park family camping trips fraught with all manner of unexpected mishaps and adventures, happily whistling throughout.
Later in life he occasionally expressed how much he missed those outdoor adventures but felt fortunate that he and wife Nancy could continue to spend time with close friends on many enjoyable western hemisphere trips and cruises.
Throughout his adult life Richard especially enjoyed hosting and entertaining the family’s large celebratory gatherings.
Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nancy Shouse Wilson, previous wife Bette Vandevort Wilson Arndt, children Charisse Caprara (Tony), Vicki Westberg (Bill), Becky Sandberg (Steve), Brent Wilson (Maria) and grandchildren Ami Rutelonis, Courtney Westberg, James Pereyda, Marissa Pereyda, Lenora Thompson, Jennifer Caprara, Cole Wilson, Grace Wilson, DJ Wilson, Hannah Sandberg and thirteen beloved great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the outpouring of support as well as appreciation for the doctors and staff at Island Health Hospital in Anacortes.
Mountain View Cemetery will host a quiet viewing in the Garden Chapel 1:00-3:00 pm. Graveside service will take place at 3:30 pm followed by light refreshments in the reception room.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts be made in support of Harborview Burn Center at UW Medicine. https://give.uwmedicine.org/give/?source=DSC-118051
For those who prefer to donate by check:
CHECK PAYABLE TO: UW Foundation
MEMO: Burn Memorial Discretionary Fund
(Donors have the option to note in honor/memory of Richard A. Wilson)
MAIL TO: UW Medicine Advancement
ATTN: Gift Processing
Box 358045
Seattle, WA 98195‐8045
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