On December 16th with family by his side, Rick passed away peacefully at home. His family takes solace knowing he is restored, renewed, and united with the Lord.

Growing up in Portland, Rick was a sports enthusiast, a Civil War History buff, and enjoyed drawing. At a young age, life events developed a strong foundation in his faith. Rick used these experiences to relate to others in need. Rick created a passionate life filled with love for Christ. Notable hats Rick held as a disciple: a pastor, camp counselor, Sunday school teacher, co-owner of OK Sanitary Service, substitute teacher, a youth coach for many sports, and Chaplain for Island County. Rick never missed an opportunity to minister to those in his path. His time on Earth was wisely used, speaking truth to hearts willing to hear the Word of the Lord.

Rick started full-time ministry in 1987 with pastoral training through American Missionary Fellowship. In 1992, Rick’s faith journey lead him and his family to Whidbey Island were he was a pastor until his retirement in the spring of 2022. Rick’s relationship building was an integral part in the development of Whidbey Island’s Chaplain Program.

Rick had many adventures and meeting Debi, his wife of 48 years, was the most memorable. Their life was blessed with 3 boys and a daughter: Erik (Karisa), Kurt (Jolene), Mark (Cassie), and Anna. Ukkii, as his 13 grandchildren would call him, was delighted knowing they loved the Lord as much as he did. Proceeded in death: Rick’s parents, siblings and son in law, Robert Aubrey.

Celebration of Life Service for Rick will be on February 11 at 1pm in Coupeville, WA at the Living Hope Foursquare Church.

In lieu of flowers, a Rick Karjalainen Memorial Fund was established at GiveSendGo.com

www.givesendgo.com/RickKarjalainen .