Richard ‘Dick’ Edwards, 79, of Clinton, Wash., passed away Sept. 14, 2020. He was born Aug. 12, 1941, in Pittsburgh, Penn., the son of the late Jessie A. (Cookinham) and David A. Edwards. He is survived by son Sean (Mandi Malecki) Edwards; grandchildren Owen and Eva Edwards; partner in life Ellen Edwards; siblings Daniel (Joyce) Edwards, Charles Edwards, Barbara (Richard) Johnson, James (Jeanne) Nindel-Edwards, and Carol (Chad) Dawson.

Richard was preceded in death by sister Sandra (Eric) Kalsey.

A man who lived life to its fullest, Richard was a U.S. Navy veteran, a degreed engineer, and, at one time, was instrument rated and held a commercial pilot’s license for his plane. He loved adventure — from flying to Baja, Mexico and scuba diving with buddies in his early adulthood, to skiing, hiking, rock hounding and travelling the world to see wonders of nature and civilization and visit with family and friends.

In the 1980s, he built a house for his family near Possession Point in Clinton and made South Whidbey his home ever since.

He was a small business owner, all-around handyman and an active member of the community.

Richard regularly donated time to support his faith community at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hearts and Hammers, Good Cheer, South Whidbey School District and the South Whidbey Pebble Pushers. He frequently walked the roads of South Whidbey picking up garbage to keep the community clean and beautiful.

Richard was recognized by the South Whidbey Schools PTA with the Golden Acorn Award and as a Hometown Hero by The South Whidbey Record.

More than anything, Richard loved visiting with family and friends. In his final years as he battled dementia, he took pure joy in seeing his grandchildren Owen and Eva play and grow.

Richard’s closest family held a small, private and virtual celebration of life on Oct. 3. Those who wish to make gifts in his honor are asked to donate to Hearts and Hammers or Good Cheer.