Richard Allen "Dick" Marble

Richard "Dick" Marble, 100, peacefully passed away in Yakima, in the presence of his family, on August 27, 2023.
Dick was born in Seattle in 1922 and spent the first 15 years of his life on his great grandfather's homestead, on the south edge of the Seattle city limits, along the shores of Puget Sound. Those years were filled with adventure and exploration as he roamed the woods, swam in the Puget Sound, and enjoyed the company of his neighborhood friends, as well as his older brother, Ed Marble, and younger sister, Mary Douglas. One of Dick's favorite stories from this era was describing constructing and listening to his homemade crystal radio set at night.
In high school, Dick's family moved into the city of Seattle, where he attended Garfield High School and was the editor of the school's newspaper. During his high school days, Dick demonstrated the grit of the depression era by working over 40 hours a week as a gas station attendant, while attending school full-time.
After high school, Dick enrolled at the University of Washington, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. However, in 1941, Dick's studies were interrupted by the onset of World War II. Despite being unable to serve, due to his eyesight, Dick was determined to contribute to the war effort and was hired by a local road contractor to work on the construction of the Alcan Highway in Alaska. This challenging task took him through 500 miles of wilderness, where he braved extreme weather conditions to help construct this vital wartime project.
After the war, Dick graduated from the University of Washington, and moved to Selah to assist his parents with a newly purchased family ranch. It was at this time that Dick renewed his friendship with Louise Sinclair, whom he had met at college. Friendship grew to love, and they were married in February 1948.
In 1949, Dick was asked to join Yakima Hardware Company by Louise's father and other principals in the company. Dick went on to become an owner and president of this company. The company, now known as Horizon Distribution, remains in the family.
Dick was very involved in community activities, including taking an active role in the Yakima YMCA, United Way, and serving as president of the Yakima Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. Dick was also a long-time member of the Seattle Yacht Club and the Cruising Club of America.
In later years, Dick dedicated himself to a closer relationship with God by joining the Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church (First Pres.) and participating in many Bible study groups.
Dick was never at a loss for hobbies and activities. He traveled extensively with his wife, Louise, worked on old cars, built every sort of project, and even became a Ham radio operator after he retired. However, Dick's greatest passion was boating. Dick skippered various incarnations of his boat "The Seawind" on numerous trips to the San Juan Islands, Desolation Sound, Barkley Sound, Northern British Columbia, and even as far as Alaska. Dick was known for his planning and navigation skills, always catching the perfect tide to his next destination. Dick loved all aspects of boating, but in particular, Dick loved the family involvement that boating provided and the many close friendships he formed with other boaters.
Dick was treasured by his family for his passionate support of each member tempered with his ability to offer frank and common-sense advice. As Dick aged and lost the ability to do much of what he loved this quality did not change. Even at 100 years old, Dick's children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren, looked to him for support and guidance, which he never failed to provide.
Dick is survived by his three children, Ken, Jan Brandt (Mike), and Robert, as well as his brother, Ed, and sister, Mary. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Libby Hodge, Andy Marble, Jimmy Marble, Michael Brandt, Matt Brandt, Jack Marble, and Joseph Marble. He left 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dick is preceded in death by his wife, Louise, his parents, and his daughter-in-law, Marlyn Marble.
The family would like to thank the staff at Highgate Senior Living for the loving care that they gave Dick in the last two years of his life. The family would also like to thank Lynn Rosenkranz, from Mountainview Home Health, for the physical therapy she provided Dick during this time, which helped him maintain his independence.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday September 14, 2023, at 2:00pm at the Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church (9 S. 8th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902). There will be a Reception following the service, in the Garden Room at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made payable to the Yakima YMCA, Camp Ghormley, or to a charity of your choice, and sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936), who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.