Richard Earl Studebaker
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A wry and clever sense of humor wove itself through the life of Richard Studebaker, who was dearly loved by his two sons, family, friends, and teaching colleagues. Born in Seattle in 1935, he attended public schools in Seattle and Bellevue, graduating from the University of Washington in 1957. He loved the outdoors and worked for the United States Park Service as a fire lookout at Park Butte during college summers. Hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing Mount Baker with friends, and tennis, were high on his favorites list. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1958, as a navigator in the Douglas Skyraider, flying off aircraft carriers in the buildup to the Vietnam War. In 1962, he married Barbara Clark and began teaching in Roseville, CA, where their first son Jeffrey was born, later moving to Bellingham where son Jason arrived. In 1966, he taught in the History Department at Sehome High School, retiring in 1994. Richard married a second time to Eileen Andersen, in 1982 . They moved to the Samish Island in the Skagit Valley, where they have lived for 33 years. In 2011, Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease which slowly curtailed his activities. Eileen managed his care at home, with the help of a wonderfully skilled caregiver, Arlene Reff. Hospice supported his peaceful transition at home.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Atha Studebaker, his brother Tom, and his first wife Barbara. He is survived by wife Eileen, sister Sylvia, sons Jeffrey and Jason, daughters-in-law Rawin Studebaker and Corbin Lewars, grandchildren Conor and Stella, nieces Linette (Ryan) Bethurum, Janel (Kraig) Klingsheim, and 8 grand nieces and nephews.
There will be a small family burial service. An informal gathering for those who knew him will be held on March 11, 2023, from 2-5 pm, at the Samish Island Community Center, 11292 Blue Heron Rd, Bow, WA 98232, on Samish Island, just west of Bow. To view obituary, leave condolences or share memories of Richard Studebaker please visit www.kernfuneralhome.com