Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Richard Thiessen Obituary
Richard Leigh Thiessen
Starting in his undergraduate days at Western Washington University, he maintained a lifelong interest in international folk dance, occasionally dancing with Autumn Days staff members even during the final stages of his illness. He also loved travel and had made extended trips to Europe twice and Egypt and Israel once with his family.
He is survived by his three children, Nathaniel, Matthew, and Lydia; six siblings, Renette Davis, Rosilyn Switzer, Connie Jackson, Jon Thiessen, Mike Thiessen, and Doug Thiessen; fifteen nephews and nieces; several aunts and uncles and cousins; and his ex-wife and in-laws.
He was predeceased by both parents, Harold Thiessen ,born to missionary parents in Mussoorie, India, and Marie Zuercher Thiessen, born to Swiss Mennonites in Berne, Indiana.
He will be missed by all for his good natured humor and ability to bring a smile up to the very end. A special thanks to all who helped with Richard's personal care over the past few years, especially his immediate family members and Autumn Days, and to Nathaniel, Jon and Mike, and Autumn Days who provided Richard's last three homes as his illness progressed. Information about Huntington's Disease can be found at www.hdsa.org and a donation to a local chapter of the Huntington's Disease Society or HD research would be in keeping with his wishes.
A memorial service is tentatively planned for August or September.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Thiessen
Richard and Renette in November, 2008
August 18, 2009
I am Richard's oldest sister and I remember him as a gentle child. I don't think I ever saw him doing unkind things or saying unkind words to anyone. As he grew into a young man, he continued to be soft spoken and easy going. In midlife he developed Huntington's Disease, and yet I never heard him complain about his illness. He was more than willing to participate in research studies that could help someone else down the road, even if they might not help him. I will always remember his gentle nature, his keen intelligence, and his wonderful sense of humor.
Renette Davis
August 18, 2009
I talked to Dorothy about Remembering Richard. She remembers his being a lively squirmy 3-yr-old in an easy chair in Grandparents Thiessen's living room. Another early indicater: here was a young man ON THE GO.
Dorothy and I have also talked about her sister-in-law Marcia and husband Yuval stopping in at Harold's and Marie's in Snohomish, and Richard teaching Yuval, a Yemenite, how to dance the Yemenite!
Muriel T. Stackley
August 18, 2009
Richard was about three when I snapped a photo of him holding up a magnifying glass to his eye. Of course his eye was huge in his little face. I see that as an early indicator of his inquisitiveness: by gum, he was going to see EVERYTHING there was to see.
Muriel T. Stackley
August 16, 2009
As folkdancers, our family enjoyed Richard's friendship for about twenty years. He was always a pleasasnt person and a patient teacher. We'll always remember his after dancing parties in his Pullman apartment with several ice cream flavors and a big assortment of toppings. The evening never ended until a major world event was thoroughly discussed or his acquisition of several new educational books had been gone through. Our group will continue to remember his contribution.
The Steen Family,
Martin, Heather, Leanne
jenise james
August 15, 2009
richard was a very caring and loving guy he would give you the shirt off his back if you asked him he hjad a good since of humor he loved life.he had a lot of love for the underdog.he was avery special friend and i am going to miss him dearly
Susan Nies
August 15, 2009
I learned many dances from Richard in Pullman, and was inspired by his dedication to dance, and his kindness. My thoughts are with his family.
K. Lewis
August 14, 2009
A more joyuful dancer I've never met. Surely Richard is dancing in heaven.
Blanche Sutton Saladino
August 2, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about Richard's passing. I remember him from Snohomish High School. I enjoyed debating with him in the school library. I remember him as an incredibly intelligent boy - with an awesome sense of humor. My prayers are with you.
Margaret Dibble
August 2, 2009
We miss such a great dancer and teacher.
Margaret & Martin
Hedy Herrick
July 30, 2009
Richard is sorely missed by all of the Pullman folk dancers. All of our lives are richer for having known him
Tammy Steltz
July 29, 2009
Mike and Family, my prayers are will all of you.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Thiessen's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Thiessen
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Thiessen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
