Richard M. Stern

Richard Stern Obituary

Richard M. STERN Dick Stern passed away peacefully at age 96 on May 2 at Home Sweet Home, the residence where he had lived the past year and a half. Expert engineer, avid salmon fisherman and gardener, Dick was born in Valley City, ND on March 21, 1913. He graduated from the Engineering School of the University of ND in 1935, followed by jobs in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Spokane. He came to Seattle in 1941 to work on wartime projects for the Austin Co. at the Sandpoint Naval Station. An innovative mechanical engineer, he designed residential and commercial heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, including many projects in Alaska, and worked enthusiastically into his early 90s. He served as Seattle chapter president of ASHRAE, the mechanical engineering society, and on national committees. Dick cherished a wide circle of friends, and traveled with his many fishing buddies to the fjords of B.C. and islands of Alaska in pursuit of the "big one". Dick's wife Belle May and son Edward predeceased him. He leaves daughter Cheryl (Robert), daughter-in-law Jennifer; grandchildren Deborah (David), Nomi, Daniel (partner Bill), Anna (Jeffrey); and great-granddaughters Eliana and Rebecca. A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, June 7th, 3:00 pm. at Temple De Hirsch Sinai, 1511 E. Pike St. Remembrances may be made to the Jewish Family Service, Seattle, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, (splcenter.org).

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Published by The Seattle Times from May 7 to May 9, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Stern

10 Entries

paul Songemoller

June 25, 2009

Dick was a wonderful inspiration to many of us, both as a fellow engineer and as a human being. His welth of knowledge and experience will be missed. The world in a little less warm without him

Wendy Zieve

May 13, 2009

Richard was a delight to have in my music therapy group this past year and a half. He was so full of compliments, and quite funny. He made puns and made me laugh with silly answers to questions in the game "name that tune."

Jennifer Stern

May 11, 2009

Dick was my father-in-law. I was so grateful that he kept me in his life after his son, my husband, Ed, died over nine years ago. My best memory is of an event that happened less than six months after Ed and I were married. We were out in Seattle visiting and Dick and Ed took me salmon fishing in Puget Sound. It was still dark when our boat chugged into the place where they wanted to fish. Ed baited my hook and handed me the rod. I tossed it over the side and stood there. Ed turned to bait his own hook when I felt a tug on my line. There I stood in the boat, screaming into the darkness, "I've got a fish. I've got a fish!" Dick quietly observed, "It's still in the water." But I knew he was proud of his new daughter in law.
I'm so glad he lived to meet his two little great granddaughters, my granddaughters. His life was a success from every point of view. Jeni Stern

Tim Smith

May 10, 2009

Dick was a friend and somewhat mentor to me. I frequently imposed on him for help on different projects I worked on as he had a vast knowledge of engnineering that he was always willing to share. I would stop in and visit Dick and Dan Healy at their little office out in Lake city and go over plans,ideas, and sometimes fishing stories. Dick was a kind and generous person to say the least. I fondly would refer to Dick and Dan as two old guys messing around. (with something they are very passionate about). They did not have to work still but wanted to. I found that seeing men into their 90s and still working at what they love was very inspiring to me. Thanks again Dick for all your help over the years and your sheepish grin you generally allowed us to see. I send not as much my condolences to the family but my admiration of how lucky you were to have him a part of your life.

Ted Taylor, P.E.

May 9, 2009

I had the distinct privilege of working along side Dick for many years as a fellow member of the Seattle Chapter of the Washington Society of Professional Engineers. Dick was a very long time member of Seattle Chapter and provided much guidance and leadership over the years. He was a Lifetime member of WSPE and NSPE. The engineering community will dearly miss Dick. Our sincere condolences are expressed to his friends and family.

Patricia Emmons

May 9, 2009

My late husband, Bill Curtis, and I collaborated on many projects with Dick. We always looked forward to his expertise, but mostly we so enjoyed his warm humor and gentle manner. We were saddened when he did finally "retire" and his passing touches me deeply.

joseph teply

May 9, 2009

I met Dick at Black Gold Lodge in Rivers Inlet in the mid 90's at which point we shared many good times on the water in persuit of salmon and halibut. I have many fond memories of a wonderful true friend who always had time to share. Our fishing group misses him. I will remember the times we shared.

Beth Lee

May 8, 2009

Dick was such a delightful neighbor. My husband and I always enjoyed chatting with him. My children loved being invited to pick raspberries in his lovely garden.

Anne Sullivan

May 7, 2009

My late husband, Les Sullivan, was most happy to associated with & work for Dick for many years. Dick was most exceptional man.

William C Morse Jr

May 7, 2009

Dick was well-liked for his competency and his open-door policy. A friend to all; never to busy to teach those who followed the "ropes" schooling misses. Kindness and humor mark our dear friend as well as his strong committment to integrity and humility. He was a cohort to my Grandfather, Father and myself. My condolences to his family. I shall miss him a great deal. He can not be replaced.

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