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Richard Wolten Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Wolten
February 13, 2011
Marilee, My sincerest sympathies to you and your family. It's difficult to express how sorry I am for your loss. Love, Katy
Jodi Smith
January 30, 2011
Dear Marilee and Family-
So very to read of Rich's passing.
He was a wonderful man and will
be greatly missed.
Katie Peden
January 28, 2011
Marilee, Andrea & Josh, Barry & James, and all other family members - I am so very sorry to hear of your great loss. Richard was such a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and it is with great sadness that I read of his passing. I have never known someone with such amazing strength, courage and will to survive. Richard has inspired me through Marilee, who I worked with for 2 years, to live life to the very fullest and to show strength and courage in every situation. My heart goes out to all of you during this time of great sorrow.
Medicine Bear Lone Warrior
January 26, 2011
To the family of richard Wolten, i feel your great sadness. Marilee, rich to me was a great person, i really enjoyed his company. i first met rich when i worked as a temp worker for B Ham parks Dept. he will always remain right here next to my heart for the compassion he shared with alot of relations who came across his path.in my journeys ahead ill always pray for your family, grieve for now , but he will always remain right next to your Heart... a friend for life.. Medicine Bear Lone Warrior
We will always be here for you Marilee.
Mark Munzanreder
January 25, 2011
Most people called him Rich as did our family. There is a lot in a name and Rich fulfilled his name in the best of ways. He was Rich on family and family matters, loyalty, honesty, and friendship and the best neighbor anyone would ever wish for.
With Rich family came first, he lead with a protecting and mighty hand. He was firm but fair. That goes for his friends also, for everyone felt like family when they were around Rich.
You always felt safe around Rich, he always had your back. Whenever you asked for help he was always there.
On a lighter note Rich had a very witty, clever and thoughtful sense of humor. He liked to party as we all do. After a few drinks the humor would snowball. If we came to a road block Rich would hold his index finger up slightly above his head kind of like a light bulb going on and usually come up with something that you'd have to think about for a second and once it clicked it would be hilarious, usually a slant on life that isn't normally talked about. Rich never complained about anything. He would make a statement like when I asked him one year after he got back from a hunting, how was it over in Colville this year? And Rich says it was so cold even in the we had to put the beer in the fridge to keep it from freezing. Always ending in a positive note. Rich always had that positive slant on life.
I have seen many people in my family Secom to cancer. I have never seen anyone fight it for his family and friends like Rich did. He was always selfless of himself and thoughtful of others. Deb and I had went over to Rich and Marilee's for a visit. We could tell Rich was in a lot of pain when the conversation turned Rich slipped quietly away and we just figured he had went back to bed. Come to find out Rich had went outside to cover the seats on our golf cart with garbage bags because it was raining out and he did not want our butts to get wet. On the ride home both of us didn't say much but after we got home both of us burst into tears. Him in such pain and suffering and thinking of us. Only a small example but so typical of Rich.
Rich it has been a blast down through the years with you and Marilee. We have had so much fun. I could ramble on forever, words can't say how much you will be missed.
I am sure the good lord has prepared a wonderful place for you, he must need your help. Rich you are the man. I love you Rich and I know I can speak for everyone of us. We all love you Rich.
You are one of the best I have ever known.
Bob Heezen
January 24, 2011
Dear Blain and family:
Sorry to hear of the passing of Richard. I will always remember him as an exciting and vibrant man who kept us guessing as kids . From coming to your house full of family as a young kid, Richard was always special. He will be greatly missed and my prayers are with you . May your wonderful memories of him get you through this difficult time...Thinking of you ..Bob Heezen
Owen Couch
January 23, 2011
It was my great honor to have known Richard Wolten, if only on a professional level. As a member of the Sauk-Suiattle Tribal Police Department I had the privilege of collaborating with Richard and his staff at the Sauk-Suiattle Tribal Natural Resources Department on numerous occasions. I also had the opportunity to just 'shoot the breeze' with him on many occasions and always enjoyed these conversations. He had a great sense of humor.
In all of my years as a working adult there are a handful of people that will always stand out for me. Richard is one of those standouts. I saw him as kind, caring, competent, inspiring, and thoroughly committed to his work for the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe, yet with genuine and honest humility. He was respected and admired by all and we will miss him. I will miss him.
- Sgt. Owen Couch, Sauk-Suiattle Tribal Police Department
Vickie Irons
January 23, 2011
Marilee and family, we are so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. We hold you all in our thoughts and prayers. Love your cousins, Vickie (VanEtten) and Ron Irons
January 23, 2011
January 23, 2011
Richard sharing what he witnessed at Hozomeen Gathering 2009
Herold Hudson
January 23, 2011
Dear Marilee –
It was with great sadness that I learned of Richard’s death. Richard Wolten was a leader among leaders. There are people who enter your life and make such a positive impression, their mark endures forever; Richard was one of them. I will miss our conversations and will miss Richard both from a personal and professional standpoint. Richard was a consummate professional and statesman. His love for all and calm demeanor lead many to him for guidance and counsel. Richard has left a legacy of wisdom. During the Gathering at Hozomeen in 2009, Richard was one of the selected few chosen to be a witness for the events. While walking among the crowd, I overheard two well respected National Park Service employees talking about how much they respected Richard. Richard was the epitome of mental and physical toughness. He was a shining example of perseverance and compassion for others. I am a better person to have known him and to have been touched by his influence. I feel fortunate and blessed to have known Richard and will miss him immensely. He embodied the virtues of honor, integrity, selfless service, respect for others, and personal courage. The world has lost someone very special. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. In the days ahead, may you find some small comfort in your many happy memories.
Sincerely,
Dale Ahrens
January 23, 2011
During the 1960’s, one could not be involved with any aspect of scouting in Blaine without the involvement of the entire Wolten family. I have many fond memories of Bill and Richard, together with the entire Wolten family. As a person of the canoe, may your journey home be peaceful and full of joy.
Dana (Danielson) Stocks
January 23, 2011
I had the pleasure of knowing Richard from the time he became a Wolten. I remember the childhood bithday parties and the summer fun we had in the neighborhood. Richard grew into being a great man that is going to be missed by many. My condolence goes out to his family and friends.
Ross Lake, near Hozomeen
Scott Morris
January 22, 2011
Soon after I started working for Richard, I realized he played a key, underappreciated role for the tribe – he was a real peacemaker. He could get along with just about anybody, and he seemed to genuinely see the value in everybody, no matter what others were saying.
As I got to know him, I also realized he was making a pretty big sacrifice to be with us in Darrington each week, separated from his family and life in Bellingham. I think we on the Darrington crew here sometimes took this for granted, although we tried to keep it in mind. Richard, however, never complained about it. He seemed to appreciate the opportunity to reconnect with his roots. I sensed that he saw his work on Tribal Council and running the Natural Resources Department as a way to give back, to serve his community.
Erika and I have been talking a lot this week about how much fun we had with Richard and family at Hozomeen a couple summers ago. One of my favorite images is a photo I took from the front of the boat on Ross Lake, with Richard and Michael kicked back soaking in the sun while we cruised across the lake. I’d like to think that whatever he’s up to now, he’s got the same relaxed smile. I also want to say thanks to the Bellingham folks for sharing him with us in Darrington all these years. We will miss him greatly.
pat croft
January 22, 2011
My heart goes out to you Marilee and your family-love,Pat Croft and family
January 22, 2011
DEAR MERILEE, BARRY ,ANDREA AND FAMILY,
We are so sorry to hear about your huge loss. We are unable to attend Richard's service as we are in Maui. We think of you all at this sad time and send our love. Your cousins Bob and Elaine Smith
Carolyn St. James
January 21, 2011
Richard was one of the finest people I've ever met. He always made time to discuss issues, was very insightful, and had great common sense and humor. He was a rare asset to the Tribe and the causes for which he worked. I'm sure he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
January 21, 2011
Marilee, I will always remember Richard from the years of our youth in Blaine and the two of you for your long lasting romance. My heart is aching to be there with love and support for you and your family at your time of saying goodbye for now. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you now and will be with you Sunday. I hope to see you when I get home. Love from Maui , Lynda Kimball Brand
Bill Jones
January 21, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Roger & Marty Nichols
January 20, 2011
Merilee, Barry, Andrea and family. You are in our thoughts at this difficult time. I am remembering Richard as a calm, self assured presence. I hope your recent experience will soon be overshadowed by all the wonderful happy memories you shared. He will not be forgotten. Roger and Marty Nichols
Christine (Hunt) Michaud
January 20, 2011
My thoughts go out to the Wolten family. I will always remember you from growing up.
Chris Danilson
January 20, 2011
Marilee and Family,
I hope you all know what a gentle and generous man Richard was to those of us that worked with him at the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe. He was always very thoughtful and respectful of others. His "even-keeled" demeanor in challenging situations seemed to promote calm and reason in others. Despite the rough time he was going through for so many months, I never heard a complaint or word of self pity.
He was definitely a man who appreciated the natural world. I miss our morning coffee sessions and swapping stories about hunting, hiking, and working in the backcountry.
May there be mountains, forests, elk and salmon where he walks today.
Teresa VanEtten-Osinski
January 20, 2011
I am sorry to hear of Richard's passing. I just learned he was ill when my father, Richard's Uncle Chuck, passed in November. My father was very fond of, and proud of Richard. I know he would have been sad if he had known of the battle Richard had with cancer. Please take care of yourselves during this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
Jim Bjarnson
January 20, 2011
Marilee your in our prays. Working with Rich for over 30 yrs was a pleasure of mine . He was a great person and friend to be a round. We always waited for hunting season because there would be deer or elk either jerky or sometimes still warm because he got up early and cooked some to bring to coworkers. He will truely be missed by many. BJ.
Cookie Kellar
January 20, 2011
Dear Marilee and family. My condolences to you during this very sad time. I too have wonderful memories of our high school days together and Richard's protective nature. You and your children have lifetime of memories to hold in your hearts. God Bless you all.
Deborah Roberts
January 20, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Letty Faust-Sutton
January 20, 2011
Merilee and family. My prayers are with you during this time. Richard was always such a wonderful friend through high school and you two were definately made for each other. May your best memories keep you and sustain you during this time. Richard is now free of pain and filled with love.
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