Obituary: Ager, Richard W.

AGER,
Richard W.

Richard William (Dick) Ager passed away March 9, 2012.

A lifelong resident of Spokane, Dick was born at St. Luke’s Hospital to Thomas and Sophie Ager in 1931.

He attended Roosevelt Grade School and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School where he was a 3-year letterman in varsity baseball and basketball and played on the AAA 1949 LC State Champion Basketball Team.

At Washington State University, he was Eminent Commander of Sigma Nu Fraternity while earning Bachelor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Science degrees.

He pursued a career in pharmacy working first at Sacred Heart Hospital and then briefly in Everett, WA.

In 1962, Dick became proud owner of Whitlock’s Pharmacy in the Spokane Paulsen Building.

He started the first pharmacy (A&H) in Deaconess Medical Center Building, and also owned Fifth & Browne Pharmacy for a time.

During these years he was active in the downtown Retail Trade Bureau and served as President of the Greater Spokane Allied Arts Festival (Musicfest Northwest).

Upon selling his stores, he established a pharmacy software company called Data-Rite.

His pharmacy career then led him to Eastern State Hospital serving as Director of Pharmacy for 14 years.

He worked into his eighties and recently was active working as a relief pharmacist throughout Spokane and eastern Washington, most notably Odessa Drug.

Dick was a 55-year member of the Spokane Pharmacy Association and a former preceptor and advisor for the WSU College of Pharmacy.

Dick was the consummate joker, laugher, and lover of life.

Quick-witted and endearing to those he encountered.

Car fanatic extraordinaire, he found great pleasure in the art of the deal.

His two favorite spots were Lake Coeur d’Alene and Kauai.

He found immense joy in the company of friends and family, and spending time with his wife, kids and grandkids.

To his grandkids, he was Papa, their go-to-guy to get the best back-scratch, endless bowls of popcorn, and fun times during surprise adventures.

As gentle as they come, he made each grandchild feel special and loved, and they couldn’t get enough of him, always agitating to spend the night with Papa.

To his kids, he was also their go-to-guy, for many of the same reasons, but also because he was a rock-solid provider, a listening ear, a safe haven, a close friend and a parent wrapped into a package of love and tenderness.

To his wife of 55 years, Jeanne, he was a committed, loving husband, her pillar who “did everything” and provided her with the support to allow her to spread her wings.

He has left a legacy of integrity and love that has become generational.

He will be greatly missed and cherished by those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Eugene, and daughter, Julie Ann.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jeanne, son Jeffrey Ager (wife Leanne), daughter Jan Karel (husband James), five grandchildren, Bryan and Casey Ager, Sophia, James and Katherine Karel.

Also surviving are his brother and sister-in-law Thomas and Lil Ager.

He also has many loving sisters-and-brothers-in-law, Julie Johnson, Janet and Donald Hart, Thomas and Terry LaLone, Lance LaLone, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 219 E. Rockwood Blvd.

March 16th at 10:30 a.m. with lunch following.

Memorial donations suggested: WSU College of Pharmacy Foundation, PO Box 646510 Pullman, WA 99164, Musicfest Northwest, 315 W. Mission Ave., Spokane, WA 99201, Hospice House of Spokane, PO Box 2215, Spokane WA 99210, Morning Star Foundation, PO Box 31330 Spokane, WA 99223 or charity of your choice.