Obituary of Richard Lister

Richard H. Lister of Olympia passed away peacefully at his home on January 31, 2010, surrounded by his loved ones.“Goodbye my only love forever until we meet at another time. God is calling you to him it’s time. So it is with great sadness that your family has to let you go, but great joy, for we know where you have gone and finally have no pain, only peace.” Nancy. Richard was born on September 8, 1929 to Harold and Mabel Lister in Westwood, NJ. Graduating from Westwood High School in 1949, Dick went on to Rutgers College and joined the Air Force in 1950. While temporarily at Ft. Lewis, WA, attending a meat cutters and cooking class, he met Nancy Mae York. They first met while roller skating at the Roller Bowl in Tacoma. Dick and Nancy married after dating only one month on August 4, 1951, which was just one month before he was to return to his assigned base in Rapid City, ND and his new job as a meat cutter. After leaving the Air Force in 1953, Dick’s career took them to several states. During their 58 years together, he and Nancy resided in Westwood, NJ where he worked at Grand Union Market; Bremerton, WA; spent 18 years on Vashon Island raising their family and working for Vashon Thriftway; took jobs in Sitka and Juneau, Alaska; finally moving back to Washington to care for an elderly parent, and working for local stores such as Albertsons, Ralph’s, Bayview, and Winlock IGA. Dick worked as a meat cutter for 55 years and enjoyed lots of hobbies and activities during that time. He and his family enjoyed boating and waterskiing; watching football games, especially the ones his son played in; dancing at the Elks was another favorite activity. Dick and Nancy’s pride and joy was the motorcycle, a 1984 Honda Goldwing Touring Bike. They loved traveling and meeting many new people across the United States, many of whom they still correspond with. Dick’s children will tell you that Dad’s greatest joy was with his family, watching each one grow to adulthood. He was a sharing dad with lots of love and direction for each one. Surviving Dick are his wife, Nancy; sons, Lloyd and Steven Lister; daughter Lynn Janisch; 7 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mabel; and Pennie G. York. At his request no public services are planned. Family suggests donations to Alzheimer Disease care and research. Condolences may be left online for the family by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.