Richard "Dick" Engley Sr.

1943 - 2025

Richard "Dick" Engley Sr.
July 15, 1943 - June 2, 2025
Richard Bernard Engley Sr., age 81, passed away peacefully at Blossom Creek Memory Care Facility on June 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a prolonged illness.
Born on July 15, 1943, in East Wenatchee, Washington, to Kenneth and Helen Engley, Dick was the sixth of thirteen children. He graduated in 1961 as a member of the inaugural graduating class of Eastmont High School, which had just opened that year. Before its opening, students from East Wenatchee had attended Wenatchee High School. A natural athlete, Dick held numerous school records, including the longest home run at Rec Park and the most rushing touchdowns in a single football game.
Following high school, Dick began a machinist apprenticeship at Boeing in Seattle, but the program ended due to funding cuts. He returned home to work for the Great Northern Railroad and began planting his own orchard on land he had purchased in East Wenatchee. Shortly afterward, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and deployed to Vietnam.
While awaiting the arrival of his company overseas, Dick's quick wit and honesty led to a temporary-and then permanent-assignment as an Army Personnel Clerk. He quickly earned the respect of the administration, and they never let him leave to his awaiting company. During his service and extended assignment, Dick met the love of his life, Dung Thi Nguyen, who was working as a civilian food server for the U.S. Army. He cherished his time with her family, bringing them gifts and comfort during wartime. Their deep love blossomed, and after the war, they married and returned to Washington State.
Dick resumed work with the railroad before joining Alcoa in Malaga, Washington, where he worked for 30 years while also tending to his orchard-growing apples, pears, cherries, peaches, and nectarines. After retirement, he continued cultivating fruit as a hobby.
Dick was a devoted father of five children, coaching little league and attending his children's countless games, concerts, and graduations. He loved fishing, boating, swimming, and mentoring others.
Later in life, Dick dedicated himself to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3617, serving as Post Commander for five years and District Commander for one. He was passionate about honoring fellow veterans-marching in parades, placing flags at gravesites, helping with funerals, and shuttling veterans to medical appointments in Spokane. One of his proudest moments each year was presenting scholarships to graduating seniors at local high schools.
Dick's greatest joy was being a grandpa. His love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was boundless. He was their unwavering supporter and biggest fan. After losing his beloved wife in 2012 and facing a long illness of his own, Dick continued to fight with strength, humor, and love.
He is survived by his children: Joseph Engley, Richard Jr & Jennifer Engley, Maria & Ryan Melson, Shelly Engley, and Teresa & Milo Gust; grandchildren: Keisha Engley (Scott Kugel), Kai & Megan Spencer, Collin Engley, Chase Engley, Eliza Gust, and Amaya Gust; and great-grandchildren: Boston Spencer and Dominic Spencer. He is also survived by siblings James, Gerald, and David Engley; and sisters Rosie Knemeyer, Mary Engley, Jeanine Stull, and Kathy Tspiras.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth; his son, Ken; and several brothers and sisters.
Arrangements are by Chapel of the Valley.
Visitation:
Monday, June 16, 4-6 p.m.
Holy Rosary at 6 p.m.
378 Eastmont Ave, East Wenatchee, WA 98802
Funeral Mass:
Tuesday, June 17, 11 a.m.
1315 8th St NE, East Wenatchee, WA 98802
Graveside Service to follow the Mass with a Military Honor Ceremony