Richard Alvin (Dick) Young, 79 of Richland passed away February 12, 2015 at his home in Richland.  Dick was surrounded by his family as he peacefully entered the kingdom of heaven.  Dick was born in Ogden, Utah to Harvey and Leona Young on July 1, 1935.  He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Weber State University.  Dick worked as a Police Officer, Federal Agent and at the OIG, Department of Energy where he retired in 1992.  In 1964, Dick met the love of his life, Joyce.  Four hours after meeting they were engaged to be married and have spent the past 51 years together.  Dick and Joyce shared a very special love that grew stronger each day.  

Dick is preceded in death by his parents Harvey and Leona, a brother Harvey, sister Althea and son Christopher.

Dick is survived by his loving wife Joyce, Daughter Theresa and husband Robert Winter, Daughter Danette and husband Andy Ruff, Grand Children Laura, Nicholas, Jocelyn, Michael, Zachary, Brianna, Aaron, Eleni, Monica, Stephanie and Joshua and Brother Gary Young (Ogden, UT).  Dick is also survived by two nephews and a niece that held a special place in his heart, Terry Young of Long Beach, CA, Bill Kaiser of Long Beach, CA and Karee Hada of Rosemond, CA.

Dick was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in January of 1999. Although this disease took away much of his independence there was never a day you would hear him complain.  He never stopped fighting this cruel disease and lived the last sixteen years using humor and pure stubbornness to get through each day.  His wife Joyce was always by his side through this fight.  They were well known at the Kadlec Physical Therapy Department to be the couple holding hands, going in for a quick kiss and even having a dance or two, just because. 

The family would like to give a special thank you to Laura Molu, Kadlec Physical Therapist who worked diligently with Dick for many years.  She was not only his therapist but he thought of her as his friend.  The staff and caregivers of Riverton Retirement/Assisted Living.  Dick was not able to do many everyday tasks on his own and this incredible group of women assisted him, laughed with him, held his hand and cared for him as though he were there own family. An incredible RN named Gretchen who took care of Dick during his last stay at Kadlec.  She was only with him for one night but left an imprint on his families heart that will never be forgotten and finally the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice who helped us live every moment of Dick's last days.  We are forever thankful.

A celebration of Dick's life will be held at 10:00am, Tuesday February 17th at Christ the King Catholic Church.