Richard V. Lance

Richard V. LANCE Richard Lance, MD of Bothell passed peacefully in his sleep on 12/20. He had battled Alzheimer's disease for the past 4 years. He was 82. He was born in 1923 and grew up in Seattle and graduated from Bothell High School in 1942. He attended college at the UW and South Dakota School of Mines. He fought in Europe in World War II, arriving a few days after D-Day and making it all the way to Germany, although he never liked to talk about the experience. He had at least two close calls for which he received two purple heart medals. He went to Harvard medical school "on the GI bill," and moved back to the Seattle area with his new wife, Marion, whom he met in Boston. They settled in Bothell. There he became a family doctor to most of the town, and helped raise 4 children. His legacy lives on in his children Peter Lance, Barbara Lance (Hutchins), Wendy Lance (Tucker), and Warren Lance, their spouses (Carol, Creig, Scott and Tammy, respectively) as well as 11 grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by Marion, his wife of 52 years. He began his medical practice in Bothell in 1950 and was soon a partner in the Bothell Medical Clinic. The trademarks of his medical practice were his bed-side manner, wisdom, and white shirts and bow-ties. He retired from practice in 1987 as one of the best loved doctors in the town. After retirement he enjoyed spending time with family on his two favorite islands of Kauai and Camano. He also enjoyed tennis and skiing and having adventures with The Adventure Group. Throughout his battle with Alzheimer's he never lost the wit, kindness and sparkle that made him so well loved by all. Those who knew him know that he will be missed. Aloha ! Dad, we love you tons. Give Mom a hug. A Memorial Service will be held at Bothell United Methodist Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Children's Orthopedic Hospital (PO Box 50020/S-200, Seattle, WA 98145-5020) or Planned Parenthood (2001 E Madison, Seattle, WA 98122).