FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Richard Waddle
Watch Service
Celebration of Life
Richard Waddle
Richard Phillip Waddle, 40, passed away on December 20, 2023, in Seattle, Washington. He was born on October 10, 1983, in Sunnyside, Washington, to Richard Phillip Waddle and Vickie Lynn Newell.
Richard grew up on a cherry farm and loved building forts on the acreage as well spending the weekends at his grandmother’s house. In high school, Richard was an avid swimmer and soccer player, and enjoyed coaching the local swim team and managing the pool during the summer. Richard attended Grandview High School, was elected ASB president his senior year, and appointed the valedictorian of his 2002 graduating class. He was awarded the Distinguished Regents Scholarship to attend Washington State University. Richard graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in Finance. He continued his education and in 2009 he earned a Master of Business Administration Degree from Washington State University.
Upon graduating from college in May 2006, Richard spent his professional career with Gesa Credit Union. He was hired as an accountant but quickly moved into management and executive positions. As Gesa’s Executive Vice President of Risk Management/Chief Financial Officer, Richard was a valued mentor and a key contributor to Gesa’s expansion and success. He will be deeply missed by his Gesa family.
Richard met his wife, Nicole, while they were both working at Gesa Credit Union. After a short courtship, they were married on October 18, 2008, in Richland, Washington. The couple has three children, Madeline, Cora, and Iris.
Outside of work, Richard loved spending time with his wife and daughters. During the summer he often took them swimming and out for ice cream. Richard was a loving father and was often found playing dinosaur with his girls or snuggling with them on the couch. Both Richard and Nicole loved to travel together and were able to go on many adventures thanks to Richard’s planning and navigational skills.
In his free time, Richard loved nothing more than looking for, finding, and fixing up rental properties. There wasn’t any project that was too big for Richard. If he didn’t know how to complete it, he would research how to do so.
Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Vickie Newell. He is survived by his wife, Nicole, daughters Madeline, Cora, and Iris, his father Richard Waddle, sister Meghan Waddle, as well as several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 10am on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Events at Sunset in Richland, Washington with a reception to follow.
There are never enough words to express the depth of my condolences during this difficult time.
Richard played an instrumental role in my life, guiding me through professional transitions. His unwavering support and encouragement were the pillars that allowed me to pursue my dreams of having a fulfilling career while being a present mother and wife. To me, Richard was more than just a boss; he was a friend, a mentor, and a dream creator. His wisdom and kindness were the compass that guided many. I will forever be grateful for the lessons he taught and the inspiration he provided.
We’ll miss you dearly, RPW.
To the Waddle family. I am still in shock over Richard’s death. A stroke at the young age of 40. Richard was far too young to be called home. But he is with his Lord and Savior and no longer hurts. I remember when Richard was hired. I worked with him in the accounting dept. He was young and fresh out of WSU and full of ideas. He always had the biggest smile on his face all the time. I was also there when the romance blossomed with him and Nicole. I sat next to Nicole and remember them trying to keep their minds on work. They could see each other from where each other sat. Their wedding was beautiful. Richard was very proud of his family. He loved Nicole and those sweet little girls. He also loved his Gesa Credit Union family. He worked very hard to watch it grow. We all have lost a wonderful soul and man. My deepest sympathies to the family. Sending healing prayers to all.
Richard was a positive light in this world, gone far too soon. He was a kind, compassionate, true leader and made time for even the minute. There was no concern, discussion or problem too big or small for him. He made you feel heard, and reminded you to not stress over the small things. I remember I had made what I felt was a huge mistake and Richard sat me down and said “But did anyone die? If the answer is no, it’s ok”. After I left Gesa’s HR team after 4 of the best years, it meant so much that he reached out to check in with me and my new endeavors. In the short time I knew him, he made an impact. It seems he made that kind of impact on so many. I will be thinking of Nicole and the girls in the coming days, weeks and months ahead. I am so incredibly sorry for this heartbreaking loss.
The most sincere sympathies to Nicole and the girls in this difficult time of loss. Richard was a truly nice man, who deeply loved his family. He will be missed.
Richard, you will be missed and but the impact you left still breathes as I saw your picture surrounded my flowers. Thank you for showing all of us no matter what we achieve and successes we find family is paramount in our lives. Surrounding ourselves with loved ones and living our lives with them is the greatest existence. May your legacy live on forever and the lessons you left with all of us resonate throughout our lives. Thank you Numbers Guy.
My thoughts are with the Waddle family. Richard was incredibly supportive and kind during my time at Gesa Credit Union. I am at a loss for words. Richard – go Cougs!
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Nicole and the girls, as well as everyone upon whose lives Richard had an impact. I so appreciated having the service livestreamed for those of us that could not be there in person. I was blessed by the time I spent working with and for Richard throughout the years – and, of course by our shared love of the Cougs!! Thank you to all who shared stories and memories about Richard today! He was a great mentor to me and I appreciated hearing more about him through your words.
My deepest condolences to the Waddle Family. Praying that God will be with the family in this difficult time. Richard will be missed profoundly.
I am incredibly sad to hear that Richard is no longer with us. He was a true friend and will be missed by so many. I last saw Ricard at his wedding and send my condolences to his wife Nicole, his daughters, sister Meghan, and father Richard Sr. I hold fond memories of our time growing up together, including the swim team and his role as our class valedictorian. His light, the way he lived his life, and his wife and daughters will be his legacy. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers and that I send strength and love in the days and years ahead.
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear Richard Jr.. We are sorry for Nicole, daughters, and Richard Sr.. I worked with Richard in a different department and was a wonderful man. He had such a smile and was noble and admirable. He will be sorely missed. Sincerely, Darcee Carlson Stickler and Jim Stickler
Richard was such a great guy who really cared about people and worked hard for Gesa CU. My heart goes out to his family to loose such a great man. Thank you for the impact that you made in my life and so many others.
Waddle Family,
You know first hand the incredible man Richard is. He remains with us because of how he touched our lives. How he quietly made things happen. How he believed in us and then supported that belief. We will always be grateful for God making him a part of our lives. He and you will remain in our hearts, our thoughts, our prayers, our every day because of how he lived.
With Love,
Donna and Dennis Ledford
Patty (Mark) Anderson
The Gesa Power House Theatre Family
To Nicole Waddle, daughters and Richard Waddle Sr. We are so sorry for your loss of your dear husband, father, and son. What a devastating loss of such a wonderful man. I worked at Gesa in a different department. Richard Jr was such a remarkable man and every time I saw him he had a smile on his face. He will be remembered with great honor and love. Sincerely, Darcee Carlson Stickler and Jim Stickler.
Richard was an amazing and loving person! I had the privilege of knowing him as my head coach and friend during summer swim in Grandview.
He’s gone entirely too soon and I am deeply sorry for you and your families loss. My prayers are with you all!
Our deepest sympathy for your loss, Richard was a mentor and our fearless leader! His laughter and jokes will be missed along with his calm leadership! He was truly one of the good ones! Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Our sincere condolences to Richard’s beautiful family. I remember when he first started school at A. H. Smith elementary. Curly, blond-headed little boy with a sweet, smiley face. It breaks my heart to hear this news. Lifting his family in prayers. Love Rachel & Ken Ott
My deepest sympathies to the Waddle Family. Richard was an exceptional student in high school, and although I didn’t see him much after, I am sure he continued to impress all that he met. Lots of love and prayers to his family.!
I will miss his ability to explain financial terms in a way that was easy to understand. He was kind, and always found time to answer questions or render assistance when needed. My deepest condolences to Richard’s family. Sending healing prayers for your shattered hearts.
My deepest condolences to the Waddle/Gesa Family. You are all in my thoughts and Prayers during this difficult time.
This was devastating news. He was much too young to leave this earth. He will be remembered for his inquisitive mind, kind smile, and good nature. He will be greatly missed by his father and wife the most. May his whole family have comfort knowing he is in a better place. Although it’s impossible to say goodbye. Richard loved his mother, & his grandmother, whom I’m sure are welcoming him into heaven. May he rest in perfect peace. Love you, Aunt Gena
I did not get the pleasure to know him personally per say, to me he was the smartest, charismatic and very well spoken “numbers guy” from Gesa. I last saw him at one of our meetings and I was mesmerized by how easy he explained things for us. He will be missed dearly; my deepest condolences go to his wife and kids; the grief journey is never easy. Tight hugs for his family, they have been and will remain in my prayers. You will be missed profoundly.
I’m so sorry to hear of Richards passing. He was such an amazing person and leader. Please know my thoughts and prayer are with you and your family. May God give you peace during his difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with Richards’ family during this difficult time. Sending my most heartfelt sympathy to Nicole and the girls
Our sincere condolences to the Waddle family. Richard was a sweet kind man and a pleasure to be around. He will be missed by so many.
We have such fond memories of Richard and the leadership he provided as a coach when our kids were starting out on the Grandview Neptunes swim team. Our community is forever blessed by his contributions. This is a tough loss for us all, but no more than his young and beautiful family, who are in our continued prayers.
We have such good memories if Richard and the Grandview Neptunes. Our deepest sympathies to his family.
Such sad news to hear. Have so many memories of swim team trips and life guarding times with him. He was a great friend, teammate, co-worker and will be missed.
Richard’s positive attitude was very impactful in his years as a coach and mentor to many young swimmers. He was a buddy/mentor to Jared my son.Richard spent time at our house even though their was a 11 year age gap between them.. I contribute some of Jared’s leadership today based on Richard’s influence and probably to many others. Richard’s desire to succeed is self evident. As life goes we didn’t have much contact these last years but I have no doubt he was an awesome husband and father. I pray that God will be with the family in this difficult time.
I remember Richard as swim coach at Grandview pool. He was very encouraging to all and especially my grandson Jared. Too young to leave his family.
What sad news for all of us. As a young man, Richard was so mature and capable. He was a wonderful swim pool manager and exceptional swim team coach at our pool facility in Grandview. He was so organized and precise in all that he did. Most importantly, he was an incredible husband and Daddy. He will be missed by the thousands of people that he so positively impacted. I’m one of those.
I’m so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. Wishing the family peace during this difficult time.
He was a great coach and mentor to many Grandview swim team members and their families.
What a significant loss this is. We grew up in church together and he and his sister both were such great friends!
We are so very saddened to hear of Richard’s passing. Rest is peace, and give your momma a big hug from us here earth side.
Danielle Berry, Michael Berry and Julie Ottmar, we send our love.
I am heartbroken, my heart goes out to the family; you all will be in my prayers!
OH the memories I will cherish!
My deepest condolences, so very sorry for your loss!
He will be greatly missed. He was a kind and loving young man. Gone too soon. Prayers to his family.
Richard was an incredible coach, incredible life guard mentor at the Grandview Pool. Sweet, happy, hilarious memories. I was young but he took me under his wing and helped me. I even coached the Grandview Neptunes because of his influence.
Richard was witty, kind, generous, a leader. I didn’t know him in my adult life-but he created a last impression during my adolescence.
I am so saddened to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to his Sister who had a relationship with him that was adorable and perfect to see, his parents and his family. To those who loved him, I know he will be remembered and missed.
May you rest Richard.
This news breaks my heart. Prayers for the family. Great memories Richard!
The Houser Family, Tim & Fran—Mike & his family Christy, Jaid, Nevaeh, Tyler & Gavin. Our thoughts and prayers are with ALL of you ❤️🙏❤️🙏
Heartbreaking news.Prayers for his loving family. Such a fine young man gone too soon.
We are so sorry. Our condolences to Richard’s family.
Many prayers for all of you … so very saddened by such a loss …
My thoughts and prayers are with Richards’ family during this difficult time. May the memories embrace you with strength and comfort. Sending my most heartfelt sympathy to Nicole, Madeline, Cora, and Iris.
Richard was a wonderful and caring man. We enjoyed visiting he and his wife Nicole (our niece) in their lovely home. He loved to barbecue and would serve us yummy steaks and vegetables. His love for his family could be seen in all he did for them. He will be greatly missed by our whole family.
Guestbook for
Richard Waddle