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Richard Patrick Obituary


RICHARD "COACH" PATRICK
February 16, 1932 ~ February 6, 2014

Richard Vern Patrick, of Tokeland, WA, formerly of Vancouver, WA, passed away in Mesa, AZ on Thursday February 6, 2014 after a long illness. He was 81 years old.
Richard was born on February 16, 1932 in Oakland, CA, the only child of George and Winifred Patrick of Puyallup, WA. A 1950 graduate of Puyallup High School, he excelled in football and other sports. He enlisted into the US Navy in 1951 and served aboard the aircraft carriers USS Essex and USS Valley Forge as a boatswain during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1954.
In the fall of 1955, Richard enrolled into Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, WA. Here he would meet his future wife, and love of his life, Yvonne Petersen of Rainier, OR. They married two years later on Aug 24, 1957. The newlyweds transferred to Eastern Washington State College in Cheney, WA, where Richard graduated in 1959 with a Bachelors Degree in Education. Richard accepted a teaching position with the Vancouver School District and the young couple, with two sons, moved to Vancouver, WA. Two more children, a girl and a boy, soon followed.
Richard started his teaching career at Lake Shore Elementary, then Jason Lee Junior High, McLaughlin Junior High and finishing at Gaiser Junior High. He coached football, track and field (including Hudson's Bay High School), and girls basketball. During his 30+ years in education, Coach Patrick saw many of his players and teams succeed on and off the field.
After retirement, the Patricks moved to Tokeland, WA along the coast. They spent several summers in Alaska, made it to Hawaii, took cruises and traveled to Thailand. Since the late '90s, they were "snowbirds" in Arizona and Mexico. He enjoyed riding ATVs in the Arizona desert, playing golf, volunteering at Seattle Mariners spring training games, and attending the Holiday Bowl football games supporting the PAC-12. Go Dawgs!
Richard enjoyed family get-togethers, fishing, crabbing, digging clams, sports of all kinds, traveling, and life in general. He was blessed with a quick wit and sense of humor. He had a gift of being able to talk with anyone. There were no strangers to him.
Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Yvonne; his children, Terry and wife Marvi of Wichita, KS, Mike of Tokeland, WA, Kim Sovie and husband Ken of Boise, ID, and Jeff and wife Tooky of Gilbert, AZ. His grandchildren are: Michaela, Madison, Jessica, Tyler, and Tori.
He was preceded in death by his first grandson, Jason Yearout.
A memorial service will be held on April 26 at 11:00 a.m. at the Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Following will be a Celebration of Life held at the Tip Top in downtown Vancouver. All are welcomed.
Please sign Richard's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Apr. 20, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
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Yvonne and family
Really enjoyed teaching and coaching with Dick who fellow colleagues called the pied piper with kids. I've been in Florida this last month, sorry I missed his Memorial.
Thoughts and prayers your way
Gary Moriarty

May 13, 2014

we are so pleased our family had sons














we feel privileged to know your family through our son's long friendship and are so sorry Dick had to go through the last years in that way.Blessings and thoughts to Yvonne and family..Sodens

April 24, 2014

Thanks. Mr Patrick, Lake Shore, especially sixth grade - David Teuscher

April 23, 2014

Many memories from going to school at Eastern together to our careers in Vancouver. Yvonne. our prayers are with you and your family. Gary and Marlys

Gary and Marlys Ludke

April 22, 2014

"I saw a ship a sailing on the mourn,
and he was at the rail."

Roger Sheetz

April 22, 2014

YVONNE:
Sorry to read about Dick. Believe me I know how feel.Please except my condolence.Sorry to be out of town but my thoughts and prayers are with you
Chuck Beckel.

April 22, 2014

I was privileged to have been a student of Dick's at Lakeshore and Jason Lee and then had the wonderful opportunity to be a District colleague when I began teaching at Jason Lee and Dick was at Gaiser. Fun gatherings with coaches after the track meets. Dick was a good man, a dedicated teacher and someone I am pleased to have called "friend."

Phil Harding

April 22, 2014

Great man, coach and teacher. Remember him well.

Steve Lathrop

April 22, 2014

Yvonne,Terry,Mike,Kim,and Jeff, my condolences to all of you for your loss. As a kid growing up "Mr. Patrick" or "Dick" was my first Coach and mentor, he gave me a ride home after many practices. I respected and learned a lot from him. I have nothing but fond memories from him and your family on 11th ave.
Roc Willis
San Clemente, CA

April 21, 2014

Saddened to hear of Dick's passing. I enjoyed coaching with him at Gaiser back when I was in college. My sympathies to the Patrick family.

Scott Bieber

April 21, 2014

Yvonne and Family,
Sorry to hear of Dick's passing. We have fond memories of you and Dick hosting our golf tournaments in Tokeland and working with Dick at Gaiser. I know he and his sense of wit will be missed.
Hayden & Judy Hagin

April 20, 2014

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