Richard Lee Simonis age 92 passed away at his home on July 30, 2016 surrounded by his family.  He was born on February 3, 1924 in Belt, MT to Carl and Evah Simonis.  He was the youngest of nine children.

Richard later moved to Pablo, MT where he lived until leaving for the Navy in 1943 to fight in WWII.  After basic training at Farragut, ID he was assigned to the USS Conner DD 582.  He was awarded the Philipine Liberation Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal.  He was a Shellback.

After his discharge he returned to Pablo and went to work for Dupuis Lumber Company.  Shortly thereafter he met and fell for the love of his life Helen Ida (nee Pulis).  They married on June 29 1947.  In 1951 they moved to Richland, WA where he began his work at Hanford as a security guard and later worked for various Hanford contractors.  He retired in 1988.

Richard and Helen had 4 sons: Ricky, Roy, Bradley and Jeffrey.  He took great pride in his boys and loved spending time at family outings.  He enjoyed travel.  He and Helen were snowbirds for several winters and enjoyed ocean cruises as well as traveling around the states.  They built a cabin in High Valley Park in Packwood, WA where they enjoyed many weekends with family and friends.

Richard liked to bowl and had a love hate relationship with the Seattle Mariners.  He and Helen were members of the Prairie Shufflers Square Dance Group, Independent Order of Foresters, CUP Church while living in Richland and First Presbyterian Church in Kennewick.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, baby son Ricky and sisters Evah, Ada, Zelda, Faye, and Mary and brothers Franklin and Charles.  He is survived by his beloved Helen, sons Roy Alyn (Rhonda) Bradley Dean (Mary) and Jeffrey Craig.  Grandchildren Erik and Amberly, Racheal and Phoebe and great grandchildren Robert, Abai and Maggie and sister Grace.
 
A graveside service with Military Honors will be held Sunday, August 7^th 2016 at Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Richland, WA at 4:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life at Events at Sunset at 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to Chaplaincy Health Care (hospice) or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Dad, we will miss you so much, God’s speed.