Richard "Dick" Boulanger

Richard ("Dick") Boulanger was born in Seattle on March 25, 1929 and passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on December 24, 2014 in Tacoma, WA.

Family meant everything to Dick, and he treasured the time spent with his family near and far. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Ann; his four children and their spouses; Theresa (Daniel) Twining, James (Donna) Boulanger, Martha (Joseph) McRoskey, and Margaret (Gavin) O'Brien. In addition, his 20 grandchildren and their spouses were his greatest pride: James (Laura), Anne Marie, Jeffrey (Stephanie), and Paul Twining; Evan (Lauren), Emily (Mark) Manning, and Anna Boulanger; Brian (Stephanie), Richard (Samantha), Gregory (Nicole), Sean, Mark, Mary-Catherine and Michael McRoskey; and Courteney (Brian) Backstrom, Kyle (Wes) Clines, Cassandra, Connor, Megan, and Benjamin O'Brien. He had 9 great-grandchildren: Aiden Boulanger, Jack & Caroline, and Veronica & Evangeline McRoskey, Charles & Lillian Backstrom, and Elizabeth & Abigail Clines. He is survived by his sisters, brothers & their spouses: Joan (Gorman) Donahue, Sharon Boulanger, Lawrence (Arlene) Boulanger. John (Margaret) O'Brien, David (Mena) Boulanger and Mark (Serena) Boulanger. He is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret & Ferdinand, and his brother, Jack Boulanger.

Dick attended Blessed Sacrament grade school, graduated from Seattle Preparatory High School in 1947, and earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from Seattle University in 1954. He proudly served his country in the Navy during the Korean War, and loved his country deeply.

Moving to Tacoma in 1954 he began his work in the fire protection industry, working for Sentry Automatic Sprinkler Company. He later became the President of Sentry and as a Professional Fire Protection Engineer. He was involved in the National Fire Sprinkler Association and served as the Chairman of the Board. He was inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame and received the prestigious "Golden Sprinkler Award".

His deep faith led him to be actively involved in his church as a founding member of St. Charles Borromeo Church. Throughout the years he was passionately devoted to Catholic education and the Archdiocese of Seattle, working with PACE, the Fulcrum Foundation, the Crozier Society, and Catholic Charities. He was a member of the Tacoma Serra Club. He was awarded the St. Robert Bellarmine Award, the Archbishop's Award from both the Crozier Society and the Fulcrum Foundation in recognition of his service in supporting the ongoing mission of Catholic schools, Seminarian formation, and the needs of the Church.

Dick enjoyed traveling and visited far and wide with his wife and many friends and family. His favorite hobby was reading the Wall Street Journal and keeping informed of world events. Always a mechanic at heart, he could fix anything that was broken and was fond of spending time teaching his grandchildren the importance of family, the dignity of honest work and the value of education. He was a man of few words, but led by example. He will be remembered for his gentle presence, his quiet leadership, and his infectious smile.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 11:00am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. A rosary will be prayed Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 7:00pm also at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. A reception will follow after the Mass at the church. The family requests memorials in his name to be sent c/o the funeral home for the Fulcrum Foundation, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School or Bellarmine Preparatory School. You may leave condolences online at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.

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Published by The Seattle Times on Dec. 28, 2014.