Obituary

Richard Lee Marshall

Posted

Richard Lee Marshall entered the world a happy baby and enjoyed an idyllic childhood filled with joy and happiness that became a large part of who he was. Born Nov. 25, 1953, in Bremerton to Melvin Russel and Mable Laurell (Blanchard) Marshall, Richard died at his home in Wauna April 9.

He was preceded in death by both his parents. Richard is survived by his wife, Jody; sister Laurene (Marshall) McCormick; brother David Marshall; cousins Sharon, Holly and Edward; and his many loving nieces.

He had many interesting jobs in his life, as a drummer in a band, doing motorcycle repair, but ended up working many years in the field of construction and remodeling.

In 1989 he discovered the Seattle Seafair Pirates, which became a lifetime passion that filled some of the best years of his life. He earned his nickname, “Dead Ear Dick,” early on after wearing a patch over his deaf ear. Perhaps he shot the cannon too many times.

It was the charitable work the Pirates did that drove Richard. The group raised money for Seattle Children’s Hospital, read to elementary school children, participated in the Good Santa/Bad Santa program for less fortunate children, and visited many nursing homes, all while wearing full pirate garb.

Richard was also an assistant Sunday school teacher at WayPoint Church. He absolutely loved helping the children learn stories from the Bible while he learned as well. It was a very happy and enlightening time for him.

Known as “Pirate” to most of the people he knew in both Kitsap and Pierce counties, Richard was a great inspiration to many and very much loved by his friends. From his earliest friendship made at 4 years old to his latest friend he met at age 69, Richard made and retained friends most of his life no matter where or what he was doing.

Richard passed away on Easter weekend. If you were to ask him, he may have said that God had a new project for him to take on. Rest in peace forever.


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