Hawthorne Funeral Home
Richard Henry Delk passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 14, 2022. Richard was born December 9, 1940, in Oakland, California and grew up in Alameda and finished his school years in San Leandro.
Richard worked any job he could to support his family and eventually landed in a career he loved as a plumber retiring after building Safeco field. He was meticulous in everything he did and if you didn't do it the way he did, he would gently point it out to you with a smile so you would know next time. He was a patient, humble, teacher that made learning easy.
His smile and laughter was contagious and he used the phrase "Let's do it" as an encouragement rather than a statement. His supportive words and depth of wisdom was called on often and he never hesitated to answer the phone or show up at your door when you needed him. If you asked him about his children or grandchildren, he could tell you something about every single one of them that has made him proud.
Richard was married to his wife Joyce for 42 years. He loved her with all of his heart and anyone that was fortunate enough to witness their love could tell that they were true soulmates. His great passions in life were his family, friends, golf, and a good game of cribbage.
He raised a big beautiful, blended family of two boys and six girls, Anita, Joy, Christine, Richard, Holly, Jeff, Jill and Julie. His wisdom and life lessons will live on through his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He loved his community. He was involved in his church, proudly completed citizen police academy training, and volunteered as a self-appointed neighborhood watchperson.
Richard lived life to the fullest. Helping his family and others was his purpose. He was a devoted, kindhearted, loving, father and husband. He really was the man that would give you the shirt off his back.
More than anything else, Richard loved spending time with his wife Joyce, whether it was going to movies, watching their Netflix Series or taking a drive to their special restaurants.
He had a quick wit and a wonderful, creative sense of humor. He loved his church, classic cars, oldies music, and had a deeply optimistic view of people and life. In his later years, as he began to prepare for his journey, he faced those challenges with the same courage and optimism with which he had lived his life.
He was our voice of reason, our common sense, our confidant, our advice giver, our friend, our teacher, our house inspector, our chef, our trip advisor, and our dad.
Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.
Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.
LINKS
Skagit Valley Herald
http://goskagit.com
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