After a beautiful life journey, Richard Joseph Uhlrich, 70, died from cancer February 1, 2008 in his Richland home. He was surrounded by his wife and four children. He was born in Bozeman, Montana on January 13, 1938 to Joseph and Gretchen Uhlrich.

Dick graduated valedictorian of his 1955 Rosary High School class in Bozeman, MT. He attended Montana State College, where he graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering. As a freshman in college, he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity, and he remained an active member throughout his life. After graduation, Dick became a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force, attending New York University to complete a degree in meteorology. He also received a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington in 1969.

Dick married Patricia Keane on August 11, 1960 in Pasco, Washington. Throughout their lives together, family remained top priority. Dick, an incredibly proud father and grandfather, was ever generous with his praise and attention.

Dick had a long and respected career in engineering and computer systems in Spokane and the Tri-Cities, Washington. Early in his career, he worked for several different Hanford contractors, and he set up computer systems at Holy Family Hospital and Hollister-Steir in Spokane. Dick was the president of the Association of Systems Management ASM in both Spokane and the Tri-Cities. He established ASM’s Spokane chapter, and served as its international director for the Northwest Province. He devoted 28 years to the Air Force, was a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, Commander of the 116th Air Weather Service for the Washington Air Guard.

After retirement, Dick volunteered for Catholic Family Services as a chore service person, assisting others with medical appointments and even retrieving lost cats. In keeping with his love of numbers, he enjoyed a decade of part-time work as a tax preparer for H&R Block. His hobbies included a lifetime of coin and stamp collecting and a passion for golf. He was thrilled to have two holes-in-one. He and Pat traveled extensively, making a trip every year to their favorite island, Kauai. They also traveled throughout Arizona, Mexico, the East Coast, Europe, Asia, and they became quite familiar with the Pacific Northwest highways while driving to their grandchildren’s sporting events.

Dick will be remembered as a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, friend, and inspiration to everyone who knew him. He was an example to all through his integrity, loyalty, courage, humor, honesty, and faith. He will be deeply missed.

Dick was ever grateful for the compassionate treatment and thoughtful care he received from all the medical professionals, doctors, nurses, Hospice workers, supportive friends and relatives. This attention, professionalism and love sustained him throughout the process.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Pat; daughter, Christine Tim McGreevy, and children Maura, Martin, Mitchell, and Kadin; daughter, Lauri Robert Seghetti, and children Dominique, Desiree, Damiano; daughter, Sharon Greg Turpen, and children Cayle and Sierra; son, Rick, and grand dog Maddi; his sister, Marilyn Harold Nickel, of Kirkland, WA: his brother, Raymond Mo Uhlrich, of Pewaukee, WI; mother-in-law, Cleta Keane, of Richland; brothers-in-law, Jim Ann Keane, of Burlington, WA, and Jerry Cathy Keane, of Mt. Vernon, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gretchen and Joseph Uhlrich.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Holy Spirit Church, 7409 W Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick, WA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Chaplaincy Hospice, 2108 West Entiat Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336.