Richard William "Dick" Bliss

In Loving Memory
Richard (Dick)
William Bliss

Richard (Dick) William Bliss passed away on Feb. 9, 2011 of heart failure. Richard was born to John and Pearl Bliss on Oct. 21, 1925. He attended East Olympia Elementary School along with his older sister Violet. Later he went to Olympia High School.
One of Richard's first jobs was working for the U.S. Army at the Rainier Ordinance Depot during WW2, they were stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. With his first paycheck he bought his first car, a 1934 Plymouth convertible and a new bicycle for his little sister, June.
While serving with the Army Transport Unit their ship crashed into an underwater ledge near Grenville Channel B.C. The bow of the ship went down and the men were gathered in lifeboats out in the Pacific Ocean and were rescued by a cannery boat the "Sally B". All the men were safe.
Richard married Juanita Jobe in 1947 and they raised two children, Richard and Diane. They had a baby named Jimmy who passed away at six weeks of age from SIDS. Richard built a house on the Bliss family land, which his parents had given them. Their family enjoyed many family trips and special occasions. The family grew up, then Juanita passed away in Oct. 1977.
Later in life Richard married Virginia Jewel. They were able to enjoy a few happy years together, then she passed away. He loved fishing in a stream, river or lake proud at the string of fish he would take home and about the "big one" that got away. Richard was a very hard worker and retired from Georgia Pacific after 38 years of service.
Richard will be remembered as a strong but gentle man. Some turned to him for his strength and wisdom, others just a shoulder to lean on. Our family get-togethers will never be the same. He was always such a happy person with a wonderful sense of humor and always smiling.
Richard is preceded in death by his son, Jimmy; his wives, Juanita and Virginia; parents, John and Pearl Bliss; as well as an infant sister.
He leaves behind his son, Richard Bliss; his daughter, Diane Cowan; sisters, Violet Thurlow and June Salter; also several grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Goodbye my dear dad, brother, grandfather and dearest uncle.