Obituary of Richard A. Rowley

Richard A. Rowley, age 80, passed away June 28, 2017 in Olympia, Washington. He was born on January 1, 1937 to Ralph and Francis Rowley in Tacoma, Washington. Richard joined the U.S. Air Force while still attending high school. After his service, he returned to school to complete his course work because he felt it was important to earn a high school diploma rather than just get a GED. While working for the Boeing Co., Richard received special training in photography and offset duplicating. This training led to a lifelong love of photography. He later worked as a mechanic for Delson Lumber and other companies before landing a key job with the Port of Olympia, where he worked to keep all the heavy container lifting equipment in good working order. He retired after 15 years from this job where he loved the work and the people he worked with. Richard’s mechanical skills spread beyond his regular job. He helped family and friends by checking out cars before purchase and repairing cars whenever the need arose. He also developed working relationships with other mechanics, becoming buddies and sharing equipment, expertise, and experiences. Richard was an “all-around good guy.” He genuinely cared about others, and wanted to serve and get to know the people he met. He was quiet, thoughtful, and generous with his time and talents. He also loved flying large kites at the beach; he was known for colorful kites with 100-foot streamers, which attracted an audience wherever he was standing. Richard married Dorothy Atkins on December 13, 1957. They enjoyed a wonderful 59 years together. For their 50th wedding anniversary, Richard surprised Dorothy with a trip via Amtrak to visit friends in Colorado. A friend from home drove their car to Colorado where he was picking up a truck. This made it possible for Richard and Dorothy to travel in their own car throughout Colorado, enjoying the beautiful scenery. Every place they stopped overnight, Richard had made reservations, treating Dorothy royally throughout the excursion and on the way home, which was rapidly followed by trips to Canada and to the northern Rockies. Richard’s and Dorothy’s family also hosted a 50th wedding anniversary party for them. Richard loved his Lord and became a born again Christian in 1972. He was a member of Grace Community Covenant Church in Olympia, and he and Dorothy belonged to a “Caring” group/Bible study group, which met weekly for potluck and support, sharing burdens, helping each other, and studying the word of God. The group gave the couple a surprise 25th wedding anniversary celebration, which meant so much to them. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Rowley; sister, Barbara Edwards; and nephew, David Edwards and his wife, Carol. He was predeceased by his father, Ralph Rowley in 1972; mother, Francis Rowley in 1959; and nephew, Jim Edwards. Richard will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered in the hearts of all those who knew him. Please leave memories of Richard or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.