Francis W. Rish passed away February 3, 2006 at Kadlec Medical Center because of complications from lung cancer.

He was born August 24, 1919 in Yakima, Washington to George and Cleta Rish.

Fran graduated from Yakima High School in 1937.  He then entered Washington State College and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and played three years of varsity football.

After graduation in 1941, he joined the U. S. Air Force.

On March 19, 1943, Fran married his college sweetheart, Elizabeth Betty Christensen, in Everett, Wash.

Fran was in the service until 1946 when he came to Richland to teach physical education.  In addition to teaching, he coached football for 21 years and baseball for 30 years and was the athletic director at Richland High School.

During the summer months, Fran enjoyed the hundreds of kids that he taught to swim in the pool he built in his backyard.

On June 4th, 1983, the football field was renamed Fran Rish Stadium in his honor.

After retirement he continued to live in Richland and spent most of his free time playing golf, tennis, cribbage, and watching his two grandson’s sports activities.

Fran was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Bill, and three sisters, Rose, Mary and Jean.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty, daughter, Carolyn and her husband, Dean Moore Richland, son, Greg Kent, grandson, Kevin Moore and wife, Agneta Akersberga, Sweden, grandson, Ryan Moore and fiancée, Amber Steen Newport Beach, California, sister, Louise Johnson Chehalis, Washington, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Fran’s special friend, Dr. Herbert Cahn, and his golfing “buddies” for all of their support and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Tri-City Chaplaincy Hospice House or to the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 10, 2006 at 3:30 p.m. at Central United Protestant Church in Richland.