On Friday, July 23rd, 2021, Richard Lowell, loving husband and father of 3 sons, unexpectedly passed away of natural causes at the age of 72.

Richard was born on November 14th, 1948 in Colville, WA to Roy and Florence Lowell and was the youngest of 3, having 2 older sisters, Lynn and Janet. In 1948, the family moved to Colville where his youngest brother Jim was born and Roy worked as a small town physician. In 1953, the family purchased a cottage on Christina Lake, where Richard enjoyed many summers and learned to slalom water ski. He also became proficient in golf, while working at the Elks Golf Course in Colville, skiing at Chewelah Peak and Red Mountain, BC., little league baseball (the Blackhawks), coached by father Roy, and boy scouts, which served to build Richard’s interest in mountaineering and outdoor activities.

Richard attended high school at St. Georges (Fr), Colville High (Soph) and Gonzaga Prep (Jr/Sr), where he graduated. He went off to get his Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Gonzaga University, working on highway construction crews near Colville. Next, he attended Dental School at the University of Washington, where he received his doctor of dental surgery degree in 1976. These years also launched Richard’s music career, as lead guitarist with the “Shalimars”, in 1965/66, and with “Feelings”, from 1969 until 1971, as keyboardist, ultimately placing 2nd in the KXLY Battle-of-the-Bands event.

During dental school in 1974, he met Cindy (Gudgel) Folsom, whom he married on August 12, 1977. Together, they established “Lowell Dental” in Monroe, WA, where he spent his 34 year career in dentistry. They went on to raise three sons, Jensen, Frazier, and Cameron. Through a shared love for skiing, he later re-married Donna Carlson on January 1, 2000, who has since been his forever sweetheart. With Donna, his family grew with Donna’s children Mitchell, Meghann, Jody, Brett, and many grandchildren.

Throughout the years, Richard was very active. He engaged in bicycle tours across Washington, British Columbia, and the STP event to Portland. His mountaineering included numerous ascents of Cascade and Olympic peaks, including many summits on Rainier, and particularly technical routes on Rainier’s liberty ridge and Mt. Stuart. Kayaking adventures included one to two week expeditions down Japan’s coast, in arctic Canada dodging ice floes, and the Irish coast with son Jensen. Richard moved from downhill to Nordic skiing, and taught Nordic for many years with the Stevens Pass ski school.

In more recent years, Richard returned to music, forming the band, “F Street Project” and playing events throughout the Snohomish/Everett area, again, as keyboardist. He became an accomplished jazz pianist, and the sounds of his piano filled his home every morning. Richard also had a strong interest in family genealogy, with research and writings on family history. He was a lover of nature, creating a peaceful garden oasis at home, tracking weather patterns via satellite reports, and a fond relationship with the moon and stars. His thoughtful discussions about the world and his sense of humor will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was active in the community, serving as a long-time member of Kiwanis of Monroe, teaching at the hygiene school of Lake Washington Institute of Technology, proudly supported the local Thumbnail Theatre, and most recently participated in Toastmasters of Snohomish.

Richard is survived by his wife, Donna; sisters, Lynn Tennican, Janet Nelson; brother Jim Lowell; his sons, Jensen, Frazier, and Cameron; Donna’s children, Brett, Jody, Mitchell, Meghann, and many grandkids; many beloved nieces and nephews. Richard had one granddaughter, Cadence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tim Noah Thumbnail Theater of Snohomish, WA. (You're welcome to donate directly on the theater's website.)