Obituary of Richard Newman

Richard Newman Rick was born on July 30, 1948 in Renton, Washington, to Bob and Jean Newman. He grew up with his brother and parents in St. Louis for several years while his father went to dental school. In 1960, the family moved to Newport Hills in Bellevue, Wash., where Rick graduated from Newport High in 1967. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1971, after serving in Southeast Asia. Rick owned a real estate development company for more than 25 years. He also enjoyed flying as a commercial pilot. He was past president of the Kiwanis Club of Bellingham. He formed the Tumwater Downtown Association and he was a board member of the Salvation Army of Olympia. He passed away May 31, 2011 at home in Olympia. Rick is survived by his wife, Geri; daughters, Jessie Newman and Chelsea (Eric Fredlund) Newman; brother, Gary (Sherry) Newman and their children, Joshua and Steven; sister, Debra (Tom) Franklin and their children, Talia (Nick) Potter and two children, and Jake (Breanne) Franklin and two children; brother, Tim (Laurie) Newman and their children Brittney and Adam. As Rick often said: “Let the party begin!” A celebration of his life will be from 1:00-5:00 p.m., Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the River’s Edge, 4611 Tumwater Valley Dr. SE, Tumwater 98501. Please leave memories of Rick or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.