Richard Elton Dempsey I

That was his legal name, though anyone who knew him would call him Rick, Pops, or Bawa by his grandkids. Rick left his earthly body in the afternoon of 02/25/2026 with his daughter, and two of his grandkids holding his hand. Born in Seattle, WA on 07/12/1954, he was the second son of Janice and Bruce. He called the PNW home for most of his life, with the exception of his time in the Army, and this past year when he’d made the decision to move to Johnson City, TN. Rick retired from WSDOT, to better spend his time hanging out with his grandkids and attending Everett Silvertips Hockey games. He was known for being grumpy, and growly, and often spoke one-line words of wisdom, like a fortune cookie. He loved his kids more than anything (until they gave him grandkids… he definitely loved his grandkids most). He was greeted on the other side by his parents, brother Donnie, sisters Judy and René, other family, and friends. He leaves behind with memories: His children- both naturally his, and the ones he claimed; Rick & Shannon, Kyle, Shay, Amy, Josiah and Tot. Grandkids; Richard III & Lily, Cage & Madeline, Jordan, Lacey & Luca, and Kylie. Siblings; Ted, Kelley, and Billy. His step-father; Don. Cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and his dog, Theo. Rick was a registered organ donor, though dementia made him ineligible to do such. Wanting to honor their dad’s wishes of doing something good for someone else upon his death, his children recalled their dad saying he thought it was “the coolest thing” when his Grandpa singed up to donate his body to science. Rick is now helping RestoreLife USA with scientific studies, and will be cremated. The family will plan to hold a celebration of life for Rick’s birthday, in Washington State. 

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