Richard Juel Anderson

Richard Juel Anderson obituary, Tumwater, WA

Richard Juel Anderson

Richard Anderson Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Funeral Alternatives of Washington - Tumwater on Oct. 21, 2025.

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Richard Anderson passed away on October 9, 2025, in Tumwater, Washington. Richard (Dick) was 87 years old and was preceded in death by his parents, Juel and Lilian Anderson of Lemolo Washington. He is survived by his three children Michael, Douglas and Johnathan. Richard had three grandchildren by his middle son Doug and his wife Liane: Joni, Erik and Jacob. Also, nephews and niece from his deceased older brother David and his wife Twilight: Gary, Brian and Jenifer.
Richard was born and raised in Lemolo, Washington and graduated in 1956 from North Kitsap High School. Where he met his wife Judy, they married in 1959, had three boys, remained married for twenty years and remained friends for the rest of their lives.
Richard went to Washington State University, graduated and later mastered in Behavioral Science at University of Washington. Richard and Judy bought house in Tumwater in 1967 where they raised their three boys. Over the years Richard enjoyed camping and boating Puget Sound with family and friends. He was a good fisherman, and a fine chef and grill master. He had season tickets for the Seahawks for a number of years. He was an avid reader, did light woodworking and enjoyed movies.
Richard remarried Kathy Mix, they were together eighteen years. They lived in a house in East Olympia and one in South Bay. They traveled Europe, enjoyed good careers and purposeful midlife pursuits.
Dick was a committed public servant starting his career as a caseworker in Northern Idaho. He spent much of his working career life as a manager in the Children and Family Services Division of DSHS in Washington State. He retired in 1999.
His health declining, he put his affairs in order, and he passed peacefully after many years of hard work, loyalty and commitment to his family and valued friends. During the last 12 years of his life, as his health declined, he was devotedly cared for by the person he called his best friend, Janice Greenfield.
His tasks undone must stay that way. Grieve not, remember him as you will, and live well as this is how he would have it for you. His spirit is free now, may it find what he theorized it to be and desired for while he was with us. No formal service is planned. The family will disperse his ashes per his wishes in due course.
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