Obituary: Student, Richard “Rick”
Age 79
Born on July 25, 1934 to Dorothy Alice (Powers) and George Student in La Push, WA.
He attended high school in Medford, Oregon.
After graduating he enlisted in the United States Air Force, in 1954, serving with Squadron 3702 out of Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
Rick honorably served on active duty through 1961 with the 16th and 525th Fighter Interceptor Squadrons.
Rick served in the Korean Theater, the South Pacific, Bitburg, Germany and with the Air National Guard in Panama.
While stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, WA Rick met the love of his life.
He was married for 46 years to Elaine O.
(Solberg) Student on July 3, 1958 at the Sunset Chapel at Fairchild.
They had one daughter, Margo (Student) Peck.
Rick followed his dream of working with airplanes.
He was employed with Boeing in Seattle, WA from 1961 - 1964, then moving to the San Francisco Bay area where he was employed with United Airlines until his retirement on September 1, 1995.
After retirement Rick and Elaine moved their California residence to Spokane to be closer to friends and family.
Rick remained an Aviator at heart, a true patriot, and active supporter of the troops, and the USO all of his life.
He gave all of his time and love to his family and friends.
He was adored and cherished for his infectious smile, the twinkle in his eye, and his sense of humor.
He was a life-long member of the Lutheran Faith; an avid collector of Western Art, and known for his paintings.
Rick is survived by his daughter, Margo Peck and son-in-law Jeffrey Peck; two grandchildren, Andrea Peck Robins (Michael) of Wenatchee, WA and Jonathan S. Peck of Rhode Island; and two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Zander Robins.
Rick was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine, in 2004; his parents, Dorothy and George; siblings, Shirley, Dorothy, and George II.
A Committal Service will be held on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 1:15 PM at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, 21702 West Espanola Road, Medical Lake, WA.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Washington State Veterans Cemetery.
16th Fighter Interceptor Squadron on a one-way trip to heaven - So long Captain!
Thanks for everything, Dad.
We will miss you so.