Richard Wayne Simmons

Our dad was born Aug. 10, 1951, in Everett, Wash., the youngest of three boys, born to Melvin and Eva Simmons, and was brought home to be raised in Clinton, Wash., on Whidbey Island.

Dad was proud to be a fifth-generation South Whidbey Islander, growing up not far from where his own father and grandfather grew to adulthood. He attended the Langley school district, graduating with the class of 1970 and talked often about being on the football team. Dad worked at Simmons Garage throughout high school and college while pursuing a criminal law degree.

While working as a Langley reserve policeman one summer at the Island County fairgrounds, he met his future wife, Claudia. Rick and Claudia were married May 10, 1974, in Lake City, Wash., and most recently they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a trip to Las Vegas.

Rick worked as a trooper cadet for the Washington State Patrol 1974-1979 and then eventually worked as a driver for United Parcel Service, and spoke fondly of being a pain in their side as a union shop steward, for over 30 years.

Mostly, though, Dad will be remembered as a loving and caring father to his five kids. He spent many weekends of our childhood building three homes for us to live in, one in Maple Valley and two on South Whidbey, with the final one being built on Deer Lake, the same lake he spent many summers of his childhood waterskiing and fishing. We kids have many wonderful memories of him taking us camping around the state and going to Disneyland, Las Vegas, attending school events and countless weekend getaways that included fishing with him on his boat in Seiku and cruising around the San Juan Islands.

Our dad was known to many people as Rick, to his five kids as Dad, but his favorite name was simply Papa, a name his 11 grandchildren fondly called him. He enjoyed all his grandchildren to no end, whether it be simply holding them, helping him train his dog, Rusty, or just watching them grow up.

Dad is lovingly remembered by his wife, Claudia; his five children, Christopher Simmons (Lisa) of Seattle; Jeff Simmons (Marilyn) of Freeland, Wash.; Jennifer Thrasher (Shane) of Freeland; Kevin Simmons (Kelly) of Clinton; Melissa Simmons of Freeland; 11 grandchildren, Brandon Thrasher, Angelina Simmons, Tyler Thrasher, Katelynn Simmons, Savannah Simmons, Austin Simmons, Maliya Thrasher, Jackson Simmons, Kimberly Simmons, Dominic Rich and Brooklyn Simmons; his two brothers, Phil Simmons (Elke) and Paul Simmons (Nancy), both from South Whidbey; his uncles, Gordon Simmons (Shirley) of Clinton and Henry Simmons (Irene) of Seattle; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Dad, thank you for always helping us. No matter day or night, you were always there when we needed it. We all miss you so very much and look forward to the day we see you again.

Per Rick’s request, there will be no funeral service. We will be having a celebration of life for him to take place 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9 at the Clinton Community Hall.