Obituary: Matthiesen, Richard K. Jr.
Rick was born in Spokane on January 27, 1948.
He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1966.
He enlisted in the army and served active duty in Vietnam for six years starting in October 1966.
He was awarded the Bronze Star and served as a paratrooper in the 101st, 82nd, and 173rd Airborne.
Rick attended Eastern Washington University and graduated with his BA in Criminal Justice in 1995.
He worked in the Criminal Justice system for over ten years.
Rick was a sensitive man who loved his family.
He often times did not have the words to express his love but it is evident in all the mementos and memories he saved throughout the years.
He also kept a beautiful garden for many years at the eclectic little house in Vinegar Flats.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard K. Matthiesen, Sr., and Beverly Newman; his sister, Melissa Zager; Kimberly’s mother, Jill Burdett.
He is survived by his daughter and grandson, Kimberly and Leo Matthiesen, Spokane, WA.
; his stepson, Bradley and Bradley, Jr. Burdett, Spokane, WA.
; his sister, Molly Hilburn, Buckley, WA.
; and brothers, Dane Matthiesen, Woodinville, WA.
and Peter Wisner, Mill Creek, WA.
and stepmother, JoAnn Matthiesen, Spokane, WA.
; his aunt, Audree Hanson, San Luis Obispo, CA; and many aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are being made for a military graveside service at the Washington State Veteran’s Cemetery , 21702 W. Espanola Rd., Medical Lake, WA.
99022 (going West on I-90, take Exit 272) For directions call 299-6281.
The service will be September 16, 2013, at 10:30 AM.