Obituary: Lyonnais, Richard D. “Dick”
Age 81
At the time of his death he was surrounded by his wife and family.
Dick was born in Spokane, WA on November 28th 1933.
He was the 4th of five children, of Eugene and Thelma Lyonnais.
Dick attended St. Patricks from 1st to 8th grade before graduating from Gonzaga High School in 1952.
On June 25th, 1960, he married the love of his life, Kathleen “Kathy” L. Chimenti.
Together, they had four children.
Dick began working for the Great Northern/BNSF Railroad in 1952 and continued his employment for 44 great years.
Dick and Kathy spent 55 years of pure joy and happiness together.
Their love served as an example for the rest of the family on what true love is and what a loving marriage should look like.
Dick’s true passion in his life was his family.
He will always be remembered as someone who was always there for any family member or friend.
Dick’s greetings were famous as family members and close friends would always receive a kiss and a hug.
His smile and overall cheerful demeanor left an impression on everyone he met.
It has been often said that everybody who met Dick, immediately liked him.
Dick also was a huge sports fan, closely following the Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks.
But his like for those teams failed in comparison for his love of the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
Dick is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Jennice Gum; sons, Michael (Jane) Lyonnais and Paul (Georgia) Lyonnais; sisters, Patricia “Patty” Milla and Donna Ragland; seven grandchildren, Chris and Ryan Gum, Mary Jane, Katie, and Annie Lyonnais, and Emily and Brad Lyonnais; two great-grandchildren, Sophia and Olivia Gum; many nephews and nieces; and many great-nephews and great-nieces.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Joe and Tom Lyonnais, and his son Christopher.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 13th at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 503 North Walnut Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99214 at 11:00am.
Reception to follow.
Donations can be made to St. John Vianney Poverty Fund.
To view Richard’s online memorial at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com