Richard Dean (Rick) Chandler, 57, of Richland, WA, left us way too soon on January 7, 2023. We
celebrate Rick and a life well lived. He was known by many for his infectious smile, kind heart and
outstanding umpiring skills. Born on August 27, 1965 at the old Kadlec Hospital in Richland, WA to
Charles F. (Chuck/Charlie) and Sandra G. (Sandy) Chandler, he was the youngest of five children. In his
younger years, Rick was an avid basketball player, playing at Carmichael Junior High School, AAU travel
teams and ultimately as a proud Richland Bomber. He later attended Washington State University.
Rick married Stephanie (Weimer) Chandler and together they had Kyle Dean and Blossom Dale. He was a
dedicated father who loved his children unconditionally. In their younger days, you could find him
supporting Kyle at baseball games or track/cross country meets. Blossom was an accomplished actor,
performing in a variety of plays throughout Richland and at Hanford High School. Rick helped out as he
was able by working behind the scenes on sets for many plays. He was also very patriotic and took pride
in supporting Kyle’s service in the Naval Reserves, often seen wearing his Navy hat or t-shirts. We can
almost hear him saying from heaven, “Damn the Torpedoes!” or “Go Navy, beat….”
In his mid-twenties, Rick had had a work-related injury that impacted his life. Though not to let the
injury limit him, he went on to become a widely acclaimed softball umpire, traveling throughout the
West officiating tournaments from Washington, Idaho, Southern California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and
several other states. Rick had an incredibly engaging personality and never met anyone that he couldn’t
hold a conversation with. Though he loved all sports, umpiring softball was his passion.

He truly had a servant-heart, and his love and devotion to Sandy and Charlie was admirable. He was
committed to seeing that his folks were taken care of later in life as they had cared for all their kids
when they were younger. Rick is survived by his brother Chuck (Susan), sisters Susan (Barrie) Steele,
Beverly (Leon) Turner and Joan (John) Toptine, along with Stephanie, Kyle and Blossom, and many
nieces and nephews. Rick was preceded in death by both his Father and Mother. A Celebration of Life
will be held at a local softball field later this Spring.