Rick Bathum

Enumclaw High School Football's most avid supporter, loyal fan, captain of the chain gang and right guard for the infamous 1969 Hornet squad, Rick Bathum passed peacefully at his home "Big Puddle Ranch" in Enumclaw, on April 26, 2022, surrounded by love from his family and friends. At 70 years of age, Rick was still physically an EHS Hornet champion.
Following graduation from Enumclaw High School in 1970, Rick earned a bachelor's degree from Western Washington University in 1974, followed by a Juris Doctor Degree in 1977 from the University of Puget Sound School of Law.
Rick spent the summer of 1977 logging in the woods while waiting to hear the results of his bar exam, earning the title "The Logging Lawyer." He shared stories of beers kept chilled by the cool creek waters, waiting for the end of long hard day, falling the "big ones," the physicality the job required and his passion for the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Rick loved people, Enumclaw, the Hornets, the Huskies and by association, The Crimson Tide. His friends, family and acquaintances around the world will remember him as the most humble, intelligent, kind, loyal, compassionate, hard-working, loving, responsibility-taking and forgiving person you could have the pleasure of meeting--unless of course, you were a client of his opposing counsel. He always answered the call of those who needed his help.
His accomplishments in the courtroom led him to be appointed by the Governor to serve as a King County District Court Judge, where he presided with honor, respect, fairness and dignity for 17 years.
A particular pleasure for Rick was participating in the community's numerous local parades, where he could be seen driving his 1954 GMC, "parade ready" flatbed pickup truck, hauling the John Deere Lindeman Crawler and waving to all. At lunch time, he held court in the basement of The Lee with a game or two of poker.
Rick found great pleasure in supporting his community by coaching and sponsoring youth sports teams. He hosted the annual Turkey Bowl and played flag football and basketball when most men his age were starting to have joints replaced. He loved his cattle, respected the horses and revered the many dogs fortunate to have found their way to live at his ranch. A notable exception for his love of nature revealed itself in his ongoing battles with the moles who took up residence at Big Puddle Ranch.
His family asks those who wish to honor his life and legacy to consider a contribution to the Rick Bathum Memorial Fund at Commencement Bank, 1240 Myrtle Street, Enumclaw, WA 98022. Or for those who would like to donate via Venmo, please search for the username: @RickBathumMemorialFund or click the link at the bottom of this page under 'Donations'. Both donation options will be for the purpose of providing opportunities in youth sports, to be enjoyed for the years to come.
A celebration of Rick's life well and honorably lived will be held on Wednesday, May 4th at noon at the Enumclaw Fieldhouse. Please join Rick's family and numerous friends to honor and celebrate his life. As Rick will be forever remembered in our hearts in everything maroon and gold, he would find deep appreciation and joy in seeing guests donned in their letterman jackets and EHS swag to help celebrate him.
His memory is already a blessing to those who cherish him. Please share a story of Rick on the tribute wall