Richard Needham Obituary

Richard Glenn NEEDHAM Richard Glenn Needham, age 65, of Yakima, passed away on April 19, 2012. He lived in Seattle for many years before moving to Yakima with his family in 1995. Richard was born to Floyd and Majorie Needham on September 15, 1946 in Eugene, Oregon. He grew up in Eugene where he de- veloped his love for the Northwest and for spending time on the water. In 1965 Richard volunteered for the United States Navy and served for four years. He enjoyed this time of service to country. He found the final years he spent in Taiwan to be particu larly fascinating. He said he wished all Americans would have an opportunity to live or travel in Asia at some time during their life because he liked that part of the world so much. In 1972-1973 he studied and paint ed at the Brooklyn Museum of Art in Brooklyn, New York, as a re cipient of the Max Beckmann Scholarship in Painting. He grad uated from the University of Ore gon in 1975 with a major in Fine Arts. Richard loved fishing in Puget Sound. He built a dory skiff fish ing boat which he fished in for many years. He became a con tractor in Seattle and particular ly enjoyed residential remodeling of older homes built in the first part of the twentieth century. The work he did was both creative and of high quality. Richard was devoted to his fami ly. Richard's daughter Elizabeth was born in 1988. He had a special gift for supporting those he loved and making their dreams come true. One of countless examples was when his daughter dreamed of owning a horse. He then built a barn and worked on it every day until dark after he got home from work until it was complete. No matter what health challenges Richard faced in later years, he was always there unconditionally for his family. Richard enjoyed fishing through out his life, and his family en joyed many fish and crab feasts together in the San Juan Islands. Richard loved gardening and added perennial beds that were filled with color. He was a great cook who was always experi menting with new recipes. The many pets that fell under Richard's wing were assured a life of love and comfort. Richard is survived by his wife Helen Harvey, his daughter Eliz abeth Needham of Lopez Island, his mother Marjorie Needham of Eugene, Oregon, his brother Bruce Needham of Depoe Bay, Oregon, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Harriet and Alfred Arkley of Bellingham, his neph ews Andy Arkley (Julie Alpert) and Todd Arkley of Seattle, Jed Arkley (Amelia Lane) of Port land, Oregon, and many other rel atives. He was preceded in death by his father Floyd Needham. At Richard's request there will be no service. A family celebration of his life will be held at a later date in the San Juan Islands.

Published by The Seattle Times on Apr. 29, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Needham

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Memorial Events
for Richard Needham

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Richard's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished 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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
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 more
Ways to honor Richard Needham's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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