Bob Vernell Frick

1942 - 2024

Bob Vernell Frick

June 7, 1942 - February 23, 2024

Seabeck, Washington - Bob Vernell Frick (81) of Seabeck, WA went home to his Heavenly Father on February 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. On June 7, 1942, Bob was born to Carl and Frances Frick in Paducah, Kentucky. They ventured west to Richland, WA when he was 18 months old. He grew up in the atomic city and was educated in Richland schools.

In 1958, he led his Columbia High Bombers to a state basketball championship, graduating in 1960.

He went to Eastern Washington College on a basketball scholarship, and while there, he met and married Patricia Hiemstra, a fellow student, and they decided to transfer to Central Washington State College in Ellensburg with their newborn, Rebecca. From there, he graduated with an Education in History degree and continued during summers to earn a Post Education degree while welcoming their second child, Scott.

Bob's first teaching job took the family to Anacortes, WA where he taught Junior High Washington State History and coached football. He also played on a men's basketball team and took ferries to various islands to play games. Summers he drove a bus full of 10–16-year-old kids to the Mt. Vernon strawberry fields and supervised an 8-hour day. Child labor laws? Not back in the day! He had always wanted to return to his "homeland" Richland and did so, landing a job at Carmichael Junior High. That summer, they moved to Richland with their 2-week-old infant Wendy, Becky and Scott. His passion for teaching and coaching Jr. High students influenced many lives throughout his career.

As a graduate of Columbia High School, he was later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and his team photo remains on the wall of Art Dawald Gymnasium. He was a beloved history teacher at Carmichael Junior High where he also coached track, football and basketball. He was dedicated to shaping the lives of his students both in and out of the classroom. Mr. Frick loved showing films about Native Americans and telling stories about his experiences such as taking a summer class while living in a teepee and drinking water from which he contracted E. coli! He was a "Mr. Know It All" at times but was always willing to lend an ear.

In addition to his school year activities, Bob directed a recreational program for mentally and physically challenged youth on Saturdays and full time during the summer. Oh, how they loved to hop on their bus and take off for an exciting adventure with "Hey Bob"!

After teaching 20 years, Bob left to work as a counselor in the mental health field. There he placed needy adults in homes and jobs. He also directed an Elder Day Care Program. Described as kind-hearted and talkative, Bob was known for his compassionate nature and ability to connect with others. He found joy in hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing & playing and coaching rec league basketball. Bob's deep love for the outdoors took him back to Priest Lake Idaho where, as a Cub Scout, he'd been introduced to its' beauty and to the mighty Selkirk Mountains. Every summer his family would camp at the lake, exploring the majesty of nature.

Eventually, Bob and Pat moved to Seabeck, WA to be nearer their children and grandchildren. They located on a 5-acre farm with a barn and fencing for the goats Pat had always wished for. Throughout the years, Bob never said "no" to rescuing cats, dogs, bunnies, guinea pigs and goats!

Bob leaves behind his wife, Patricia Frick, children Becky Haverfield (Dan), Scott Frick, Wendy Wardlow (Greg), grandchildren Sierra Haverfield (Ben), Savanna Haverson (Mac), Cheyenne Haverfield, Caden Haverfield, Lily Wardlow and great-grandaughter Ava Haverson, cousins Butch Bishop (Peggy) and Billy Bishop (Julie) and his lonesome furry friends, Ranger, Daisy, Polly, Hank and Hazel.

Bob and Pat attended Crosby Chapel nearby. Bob was baptized there where he found peace and community. In his memory, donations may be made to:

Crosby Chapel.com

360-830-4311

P.O.Box 218 Seabeck, WA 98380

There will be a private family service in late Spring and the scattering of Bob's ashes next summer in his beloved Selkirk Mountains in North Idaho. Bob will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.