Dick Slagle

1919 - 2021

SLAGLE, Dick

Dick Slagle died peacefully at home in Republic, Washington on February 9, 2021 at age 101. He was born to Elizabeth and JW Slagle on July 4, 1919 joining his 9-year-old brother Maury. Younger-brother Dave was born in 1921. The family had lost four-year-old Eleanor in 1917. Elizabeth came to Republic as an elementary school teacher in 1904, and JW started the Republic Drug Store that year. They were married in 1909. Elizabeth was from St. Clair, Missouri, and Jesse was from Franklin, North Carolina. Dick loved Republic and all the surrounding mountains. He had many adventures with his close friend Johnny Anderson, and explored the hills to the west of town with Jack Summerville. He delivered The Spokesman-Review and knew where everyone lived in town. His first jobs were working for the Forest Service, and he became an Eagle Scout. His special cousin, Jean Crenshaw from Spokane, stayed with his family in the summer for two years in the 1930s. Dick graduated from Republic High School in 1937.

In 1942, Dick graduated from Washington State College (now WSU) in pharmacy, spent the summer on White Mountain lookout, and was drafted into the Army. He was stationed at Camp Grant in Salt Lake City, Utah, Rockford Illinois, and was transferred to Normandy France in September of 1944 (after D-day). In France, he worked as a pharmacist in a tent hospital unit of 3000 patients near Lison, and worked at hospitals in Metz, Rouen, and Liege, Belgium. In 1994, he was able to travel back to those locations in France with his nephew, Tom. Dick worked with his brother Maurice in the Republic Drug Store for 40 years. He married his wife Helen in 1951. Jack was born in 1953, and Jean in 1955. After Helen's death, Dick married Ruth in 1998.

Dick loved to travel, enjoyed Curlew Lake, and was restored by getting out into the Colville National Forest. He was dedicated to the conservation of the Kettle Range. At home, he loved to read, and was happy to have a cat on his lap. He was a person of faith, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He understood the value of preserving local history and was a founding member of the Ferry County Historical Society. He was the local weather observer for the National Weather Service for 50 years.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and sister, his brother J. Maurice (Bessie), brother David Lewis (Eileen), wife Helen, wife Ruth, and his cousin Jean Crenshaw Smart (Orv).

Dick is survived by daughter Jean of Republic; son Jack of Belvidere, Vermont; Jean's daughter Ann (Alex) of Boise, ID; Jack's daughters in Vermont, Teka (Marty), Gwen (Tim), and Gwen and Tim's children: Henry and Rosemary. He is also survived by step-daughter Linda Rice (Larry); step-son John Walden (Sarah); nephews Tom (Gloria), Rob (Patty), Dan (Jan), Dave (Barb deceased), Doug, Paul (Faith), Steve (Janet), and nieces Margaret (Dave), Mary (Galen), Diane (Gary), Sherry, Sibby (Doug); cousin Frank Slagle; second cousins Shelley (Rich), Anne (Frank), Richard, Mary (Greg), Roger (Annie), Janet (Tay), Jim (Patty), and numerous great-nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family extends sincere thanks to Hospice of Spokane. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to an organization of your choice. Jean's address is PO Box 1144 in Republic.

Due to COVID, there will not be a Memorial Service at this time. Bergh Funeral Service & Crematory is in care of arrangements.