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BORN
1944
DIED
2014
Richard Wesley Obituary
Richard B. Wesley was born on December 2, 1944 in Beaumont, Texas. He died November 20, 2014 in Seattle. In 2008 he was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) but it did not prevent him from living to the full extent possible, enjoying a life of the mind and a large circle of friends.
He graduated from Rice University and Johns Hopkins Medical School, and completed a fellowship in pulmonary medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center. He then began a 28 year career in pulmonary medicine and critical care in Bremerton, Washington. He returned to Seattle after retiring from practice.
In retirement Dick found his true passion at the University of Washington studying a variety of topics but concentrating on political science and economics. Through the University's Access Program, he studied for the pure joy of learning. Dick developed friendships with students and professors, collaborated on writing projects and provided support and encouragement.
Dick is survived by his wife and four children. A special thank you to all of our family, friends, caregivers and the staff of the Hospice Program at Group Health and the Veterans Administration. Together they made life with ALS possible with an abundance of kindness and compassion in their care of Dick.
A memorial service on campus is planned for Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 2:00 pm in University of Washington Kane Hall, Room 210. A reception follows at 3:00 pm in the Walker Ames Room (Kane 225). If you would like to leave a memory of Dick, please do so at http://www.polisci.washington.edu/Wesley.html
Donations can be given to the Richard Wesley Memorial Fund. The link is: http://giving.uw.edu/RichardWesley
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Wesley
Sponsored by The Family.
January 1, 2015
Dear Virginia,
I must concur with all my fellow former classmates have written about Dick...although he and I, probably, never spoke even 3 words together. We, simply, didn't travel the same path. His gentle countenance and smiling face in passing between classes, however, is exactly as everyone here testifies.
He was blessed to have you and your children to uphold him throughout his life, study and work.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Ephesians 2:4-10
Romans 8:22-39
Annie Jacobs
December 5, 2014
I was so proud of you, Dick. You were always kind to me. You always treated me with equal respect and if you thought I deserved a compliment that day in school you gave me one. I hung on to those kind words. I just loved you. God be with you Dick, and your beautiful family. With love.
December 4, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family. May the God of loyal love comfort the family during your time of sorrow. Psalms 119:76
Diane lancaster Mclauchlan
December 4, 2014
Dick was truly one of the good guys.
Mary Francis Guidry Rack
December 4, 2014
Dick was the kindest, sweetest guy. In high school he was very dear to me.
Susan Daniel
December 4, 2014
Dick was a warm and friendly man and he will be missed.
December 4, 2014
Dick was a very kind, thoughtful classmate. His achievements and courage in many spheres are well appreciated. He will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Jan Bishop Thomson
Jimmie Jay Jackson
December 2, 2014
I grew up with Dick and we attended Beaumont schools together until we graduated. He was well liked, respected by his peers and admired for his brilliant mind. Dick was a gentle and caring soul with a keen sense of humor. I extend my sympathy to his family.
December 2, 2014
Dick was ALWAYS a first class human being... a great classmate and colleague
Jim Love
tommy hinote
December 2, 2014
A terrific and wonderful classmate that I have aways admired for his mind & class
December 2, 2014
Dick was a wonderful person, who I'm sure will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Peace, Carol Yeates Quist
December 2, 2014
Dick was a good friend and valued member of the Beaumont High Class of 1963. He will be missed!
Our sincerest condolences. Joanie Amacker Haley
December 1, 2014
The Kitsap community has lost a caring doctor. He cared for my husband, Art Waaga, for four years who passed in 1982 with ALS. We need more like him. Rest in peace Richard Wesley.
Dalyce Waaga Harris
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