04/14/1941 — 06/01/2024

From Richland, WA

Celebration of Life

Starts:

Fri, June 28, 2024, 1:00 pm

Location:

Einan’s At Sunset Funeral Home

915 Bypass Highway Bldg. H Richland, WA 99352

Website:

Visit Einan’s At Sunset Funeral Home

Protected: Richard W. Garretson Jr.

Richard W. Garretson Jr. passed away at his home in Richland, Washington on June 1, 2024. Richard, known as Rich to most, was born April 14,1941 to the late Richard and Leola Garretson in Brawley, CA and was the oldest of four children. They moved from Brawley, CA to Kennewick, WA and graduated from Kennewick High School in 1961. Rich was the beloved husband to Sue Garretson for 45 years. They were married November 21, 1979 in Richland, WA.

Rich enjoyed 37 years as a carpenter at Battelle Northwest. During this time he joined the Carpenters Union Local 2403 which was part of Hanford Atomic Metal Trades Council. He later became the Business Agent for Local 2403 solving problems for his fellow union members, working on arbitration cases and negotiating contracts. He retired from Battelle in 2006.

One of his proudest accomplishments was his 38 years of service in the Washington State Army National Guard. He joined in 1963 and served until being honorably discharged on April 14, 2001 as a Master Sargeant E8. Through his involvement in the Union and National Guard he was afforded opportunities for self development and travel throughout the United States and Japan, where he helped in the training of military personnel.

Rich was known for his love of storytelling, teasing and making others laugh. His biggest passion was boating. He and Sue enjoyed many boating trips which included Dworshak Dam and Reservoir, exploring both the Snake and Columbia River, the Pacific Ocean along the West Coast, the Puget Sound and Canada. They always returned to home moorage in Richland.

Rich is survived by his wife Sue Garretson, son Richard (Rick) W. Garretson III (Jodee) of Pasco WA, step-daughter Staci Benjert Smith (Norris) of Kirkland WA, grandchildren Richard (Garrett) W. Garretson IV (Nikki), Chase Garretson (Mo), Natasha Garretson, Mia Smith and Henry Smith, great-grandchild Micah Garretson.

His wife Sue will forever cherish his goodnight words, “I will love you until the day I die”. He will be greatly missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Guestbook for

Protected: Richard W. Garretson Jr.

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