Obituary of Richard K. Walburn

Dick was born October 4, 1922 to Frederick H. and Marjorie (Dodge) Walburn in Spokane, Washington. He passed away July 12, 2014 at Mother Joseph Care Center in Olympia, Washington, at the age of 91. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II from October 1942 to November 1945. He was a member of the 12th Air Force, and fought in Sicily and Italy. After the war, he completed his higher education, earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Pacific Lutheran University. He was an educator at schools in Dupont, Quilcene and Oroville, Washington, and Director of Elementary Education for the island of Palau in Micronesia. He also lived on Fox Island (1989 – 2001), in Auburn (1979 – 1989), and Lacey for the last 13 years. Dick married Joyce on May 15, 1982 in Tacoma, Washington. He loved portrait painting, fishing, reading, and watching Mariners baseball. He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Lacey. Dick is survived by his wife, Joyce; sons, Scott of Olympia; Keith of Issaquah, Washington, and Dean (Debi) of Gig Harbor; daughters, Dianne (Bryan) of Arizona, and Susan (BJ) of Roy, Washington; 15 grandchildren; and many great and great-great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Vashti; and daughter, Sandra. He will be remembered fondly and missed by all who knew him. Memorial donations may be made to Providence SoundHome Care and Hospice through Providence St. Peter Foundation, 413 Lilly Rd. NE, Olympia, WA 98506-9906. Please leave memories of Dick or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.