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BORN
1975
DIED
2007
Richard Lester Obituary
He was born Feb. 17, 1975, in Olympia.
He grew up in Onalaska and graduated from Onalaska High School in 1993. Rich also attended Centralia Community College.
During his high school years, Rich was an avid sports enthusiast, playing baseball, basketball and football.
Rich's love of sports carried on throughout his later years. He was a sports trivia junkie, and he loved watching his Seahawks, Washington Huskies and Seattle Mariners -- as well as just about any other team.
But nothing could compare to the love he had for his two little girls, Madisen, 9, and Raegan, 23 months. They were his world.
Rich was a stand-up guy with a quick wit and an enviable sense of humor. He had a knack with numbers, and he was proud to put in a hard day's work.
He loved spending time with family, camping and playing cards, whether it was poker, pinochle or cribbage.
Rich married Phaedra Hamrick in 1997. They welcomed Madisen into the world in 1998. Rich and Phaedra parted ways in 2000.
Rich met his soul mate, Rieva (Lakey) Lester on a blind date on Jan. 5, 2002. They married on Sept. 18, 2004.
Rieva survives him at home in Longview with their daughter, Raegan. Also surviving him are his daughter, Madisen, in Onalaska; his parents, Curtis Lester Jr. of Cinebar, Wash., and Donna Lester of Centralia; a brother, Randy (Rachel) Lester and family of Centralia; a sister, Heidi (Mike Jr.) Howard and family of Cinebar; his father- and mother-in-law, Richard and Corby Lakey of Winlock; numerous beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and a circle of cherished friends and extended family.
Rich will be remembered as a charismatic charmer with the gift of gab. He was adored by his family, extended family and friends. Our hearts broke when his stopped. This world has lost such a great man.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Shoestring Community Church, 104 Frase Road, Onalaska. Loved ones are encouraged to share their favorite memories. He will be laid to rest at Shoestring Cemetery, directly across from the church, following the service. Afterward, friends and family are invited to a potluck gathering at the Shoestring Church.
Viewing will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Cattermole Funeral Home, 203 N.W. Kerron St., Winlock.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Lester
Mandy Ransom
November 13, 2007
Rieva, I never met your husband, but read your beautiful tribute to your husband in today's newspaper and felt compelled to send you a note. My heart goes out to you and your family. I know your heart must be breaking. Know that your husband is with you always. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, Mandy
Eddi Peterson
October 24, 2007
Rieva and family,
I wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I feel that I was very blessed to be on the Co-Ed Softball team with Rich. God Bless You and Give You Peace.
Eddi Peterson #8
Jory, Emily, and Rachel Jensen
October 23, 2007
Rieva,
We are saddened to hear the news about Rich. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Debbie Cottonware
October 23, 2007
At a time like this, one comfort can be "happy memories". My earliest memories of Richard were of him as an 11 year old boy in my 5th grade class. He was one of that group of boys that kept me on my toes. He was funny and a little mischievious, but not in a bad way. My most fond memory of Richard and his class was the "kissing circle" Class of 93, do you remember that day? You all formed a circle out on the playground at recess and faced out so that Richard and Lori could kiss. You protected them and gave them a bit of privacy at the same time. When I think back on that now, it always brings a smile to my face. It was a pleasure to watch Richard grow up into a responsible young man and a loving father. He and his class hold a special place in my heart and I have experienced great pride in all they have become and accomplished. Richard is no exception. He is one of my "kids" and his passing affects me deeply.
I pray that God will give us all peace and comfort during this sad time.
Blessings,
Stephanie Bryant-Jordan
October 23, 2007
Donna & Family,
I was so sad to hear about Richard-he was a few years behind me in school but I remember how he was always full of fun and smiles. My prayers are with you all.
Take care,
Becci Ritchie
October 21, 2007
To Rich's Family,
I went to school with Rich for a short time in Onalaska, and had a crush on him from day one. I am so sorry for your loss, and won't pretend to know the right words to say. Please know you are in my prayers.
Brandy Sampson-Oliver
October 20, 2007
Donna and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Rich and I had a lot of fun together in high school. My favorite memories were sitting next to each other in Mr Abrahamsons CWP class. I had the joy of sitting between Rob Brown and Rich. We were told many times to quit talking, much to Mr Abrahamsons dislike, we didnt. I also had the honor of walking with Rich at graduation. I consider him a very close friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with his wife,his two little girls,and the rest of his family. May God comfort you in only the way he can.
Fawn Kelly
October 19, 2007
I am so saddened to hear of Rich's accident. I will always remember his quick wit and that darn cowlick. All those school pictures with the thing in various heights. Remember the year he clipped it down to his scalp the night before pictures?
I am so sorry for the loss. I can't even imagine the cavernous hole he is leaving behind.
Lea and Lynn (Robert ) Pattison
October 18, 2007
Dear Donna and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. We are so sorry. There are no words that can be said that would take away your hurt and pain but may it help in some way to know that we care and send our love. Cherish all the wonderful memories as they are what will get you through the difficult times ahead. We send our deepest sympathy and love, Lea and Lynn (Robert)
Lorraine Rena Railsback
October 18, 2007
Dearest Rieva and family...you are in my thoughts and prayers constantly! May God give you His strength. With love to you all, Chaplain Lorraine
Susan Korenkov
October 17, 2007
Sis and Maddie
We are so sorry for your loss you are in our thoughts and prayers
Susan,Angel and Grace
Floyd Underhill
October 17, 2007
Donna and family - Want to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Floyd Underhill
October 17, 2007
Donna - Want to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Sawyer
October 16, 2007
He was my cousin my friend. I will always remember the laughter and joy he brought to our lives. You could always count on Rich to cheer you up. I am sure he is with God in heaven making jokes as we speak. May God give my family strength as we try to understand why God has taken him from us.
Joyce Bryant
October 16, 2007
Donna and family - you have been in my thoughts, and may your wonderful memories of Richard help you through this difficult time. You were blessed to have had Richard in your lives, as was Richard blessed to have such a wonderful family.
Robert Cites
October 16, 2007
Just wanted to let you all know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ronelle Scharber
October 16, 2007
Donna, Curt, Randy and Heidi,
I am so so sorry for this enormous and tragic loss. Rich was a wonderful person inside and out, everyday all day. He had a great attitude about everything, and always seemed to know what to say and when to say it. I know how much you all miss him, and how this must rob you of so much inside.
I didn't meet Rich's wife, but I know that you must be at the biggest loss of all. A husband is so much to a wife, and I know that Rich was the best husband he could be. Truly my heart goes out to you.
My thoughts are with you all,
Ronelle
Lori Dodson
October 15, 2007
Rieva
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Lori (from Sears)
Barbara Lewis
October 15, 2007
Words cannot express the deep sadness in our hearts. We just feel so lucky to have known Rich. He will always be remembered. Reiva, there's a plaque for Shannon that says "To Live in the Hearts of Others is Not to Die." That's such a meaningful statement and so true. Love and prayers to all of you. Sincerely, Barb and Joe
Robyn Cothren
October 15, 2007
Rieva-
I am so deeply saddened by your tragic loss. You and your family will be in my every thought and prayer. I only wish I was able to take your pain away.
I love you,
Robyn
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