Obituary of Richard Sayre Koch

Dr. Richard Sayre Koch passed away peacefully on June 16, 2014 in Olympia, Washington, at the age of 99. He was born on December 21, 1914 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Andrew and Mary Louise Koch. Dr. Koch received his pre-med degree at the University of Alabama and graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1938. He practiced family medicine, physical medicine, prolotherapy and back/joint rehabilitation in Olympia, Washington for 67 years. He retired in February of 2005. Dr. Koch spent his professional life advocating for medical research and was a sought after lecturer on osteopathic medicine, spinal rehabilitation and prolotherapy. In his pre-med college years, Dr. Koch was a champion light-heavyweight boxer to help him pay his way through college. He had a passion for scuba diving and went on many diving expeditions all over the world, including his beloved Hood Canal. He was a scuba diving instructor for the YMCA. He was an avid Husky fan and enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, Traudi. He made Hood Canal and his cabin his “home away from home.” Dr. Koch is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Traudi; and his nephew, Richard B. Koch (Wendy) of Philadelphia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Dr. Richard S. Koch to the Wounded Warrior Project by mail to PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or Wounded Warrior Project online OR to the Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation by mail to PO Box 49, Annandale, VA 22003 or Purple Heart Foundation online. Please leave memories of Dr. Koch or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.