OBITUARY

Richard A. Dixon

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Richard A. “Dick” Dixon died Oct. 3 after a year plus bout with cancer. He was born May 2, 1935, in Natick, Massachusetts, to Arthur and Avis Dixon.

Dick relocated to Washington where he graduated high school, served out an apprenticeship as a machinist and earned a journeyman’s level machinist card. While using those skills working for Boeing, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology at the University of Washington.

Upon graduation, Dick was offered a commission with the Army as a 2nd lieutenant, which he accepted and soon became an Airborne Ranger. While training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he met and married Brenda Dell Harvard, who died Sept. 16, 2018, after 55 years of marriage.

After 24 years of life in the Army, including two combat tours in Vietnam, over 300 parachute missions and numerous citations, including a Bronze Star, Dick retired as a lieutenant colonel and began a new life as a medical equipment salesman specializing in low vision equipment.

Dick continued with this profession until his wife’s health forced his second retirement. He stayed active with the Gig Harbor chapter of the Lions Club helping with their low vision program. During his final retirement, he turned to writing books. He was an accomplished and nationally recognized author of nine published works. His last book is waiting to be published.

Dick is survived by his sisters Donna Styron and Dorothy Nicholls; daughters, Cindy and Evelyn; son Chris; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Dick is, was, and always will be a soldier, patriot, husband and father.


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