Obituary of Archie Richard Townsend

Archie Richard “Dick” Townsend, a lifelong resident of Olympia, passed away to the big clear cut in the sky on June 6, 2013, surrounded by his loved ones in his home of 61 years. He was born March 30, 1926 to Kirk and Marian Carpenter Townsend, and attended the Olympia area schools until the age of 17, when he joined the U.S. Navy in 1944. He proudly served his country until his discharge in 1946, but he continued his service to his country by joining the Naval Fleet Reserves until it was disbanded. After his military service, he took employment in the Maintenance Department for the State of Washington, where he remained until he retired. As a dedicated member of his community, he selflessly volunteered his spare time as a firefighter for the North Olympia Fire Department for many years. He and his wife, Violet Tilley Townsend, were married November 24, 1948, and together they had five children, four grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. Surviving him are his wife, Violet; daughters, Linda Allmendinger (Ken) of Olympia and Georgie Davick (Gary) of Olympia; sons, Rick Townsend of Alaska and Ron Townsend (Dina) of Olympia; as well as his sister, Ruth Teters of Missouri; and many friends and neighbors. His son, Bob Townsend, preceded him in death. Archie loved the outdoors and all his hobbies and interests were enjoyed either in the woods or out on his beloved bay in Boston Harbor. He enjoyed many hours of fishing, clamming and geoducking, as well as hunting and woodcutting. He had cut so many cords of wood that the family has lost count. Family time was spent camping, usually in the Olympic National Forest, and blackberry picking. Archie was a bona fide Northwest resident who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Please leave memories of Archie or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.