Obituary: Semple, Richard Gower, Sr. Ltcol, Usaf, Ret.
Age 78
Born March 30, 1934 to Caroline and Paul Semple, in Minneapolis, MN, Richard passed away in Spokane on February 25, 2013 after a long illness.
He graduated from Mercersburg Academy in 1952 and Ohio Wesleyan in 1956.
After graduation, he began a 24-year career as an AF pilot.
He saw duty in North America, the Arctic, Europe, Africa and Asia.
The majority of his career was as a C-130 pilot, including a one-year combat tour as an AC-130 Spectre gunship commander.
After retirement, he served the Spokane community as a past president of the NE Kiwanis Club.
He was a coach and north side commissioner for SYSA soccer.
Dick was also a lifelong model railroader, built RC model airplanes, and built industrial models.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Cathie; his children, Danielle (Ron) Basta, Fr Richard Semple, Jr, Michelle (Kyle) Orendorff, and John Semple; grandchildren, Calvin, Meredith, Lauren, Kirtis, Kaden, and Reagan.
Rosary and visitation will be at 7 PM at Assumption Parish on Thursday.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at Assumption at 10:30 AM on Friday.
Interment will be at 3:00 PM at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, Medical Lake.
Please visit Richard’s online memorial and leave a message of condolence at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.