Richard Bratland

Richard Peder Bratland Richard Peder Bratland, 68, of Arlington, born in Seattle May 1, 1946 to Karl and Nettie (Smoke) Bratland, passed away on September 9, 2014. He adored his family and they cherished him, he will be deeply missed. Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Gabriele; his daughter, Stephanie Bratland (Ryan Court); his brother, Karl F. Bratland; his aunt, Dorothy Smoke and many cousins. He is also survived by close friends Alan and Monika Kelm and their two daughters Teresa Thomas (Joe), Heidi Anderson (Brian) and their children whom he regarded as his proxy grandchildren Hailey Kelm Thomas, Dominick Thomas, Celia Anderson and Snow Rosario; special friends Ron and Normie Baunsgard and Bill and Gisela Krueger and their families. He moved to Arlington at the age of 6 months and lived in the Bryant area most of his life. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1964 where he was active in FFA and won many awards showing his animals at Fairs. He attended Skagit Community College before entering the U.S. Army in 1965. While stationed in Amberg, Germany he met Gabriele and they were married in April, 1969. Richard was a respected Roofing Contractor in Everett for over 40 years. In 2003 he established Northwest Roofing Solutions with George Madsen. He was fortunate to work with a dedicated crew of Estimators and Roofers. He served as past President and on the Board of Washington State Roofing Contractors Association and also as a past Board Member of the National Roofing Contractors Association. He was Fire Commissioner for District 18 in his third term. During his tenure the North County Regional Fire Authority was created and he worked hard for the local community. He enjoyed fishing, horseback riding, duck hunting and the great outdoors. He received great joy from gardening and a nicely mowed lawn was of the utmost importance to him. He was quick witted and always made those around him smile. A Celebration of Richard's Life will be held at noon, Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Bryant Community Chapel/Grange Hall, 26830 53rd Ave NE, Arlington, 98223. Memorial donations may be made to the Treehouse, Attn: Development, 2100 24th Avenue S., Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98144 or www.treehouseforkids.org/donate/ Arrangements are under the care of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood, WA.