Richard "Dick" Stone
September 28, 1923 - July 13, 2019
Ferndale, WA
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Richard "Dick" Stone
September 28, 1923 - July 13, 2019
Ferndale, WA
Obituary
Richard “Dick” Eugene Stone was born in Pasco, WA on September 28, 1923 to Simon and Fannie (Jewell) Stone. He joined two brother and two sisters.
Dick graduated from Pasco High School in 1942 and entered into the Army in 1943. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge until January 3rd when he was wounded and captured. He was prisoner of war for three and a half months until he was liberated in April of 1945. He was transferred to a hospital in Walla Walla, WA.
Dick attended and graduated from WSU in 1950 with a degree in History and Social Studies. He was a proud Cougar! He began his career at Ferndale High School teaching History and Psychology. He later helped start the counseling department and was also a counselor for students entering the military service. He traveled to many states, institutions, and veteran’s facilities in this capacity. Dick was well loved by his students and shared many breakfasts and lunches with different groups of former students that he dubbed “his kids”.
Dick was an avid gardener all of his life and loved to share the endless bounty of fruits and vegetables with friends, neighbors, and the Lighthouse Mission. He was a member of the “4th Corner” chapter of the “Ex Prisoners of War” and served as its Commander for many years. He was the National Director for two years. Dick was named Ferndale’s “Man of the Year” in 1971 and more recently, had a street named after him called “Dick Stone Lane.” One of Dick’s greatest honors was being asked to lay the wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier in Washington DC.
After Dick’s retirement from his teaching career, he and Vi traveled the world. They visited all the states and over 40 countries. They enjoyed taking their family on several cruises and made many friends on their travels.
Dick was predeceased by his parents, siblings, and his first wife Frances Perry Stone. He is survived by his wife Viola Stone, son Chuck Stone (Elizabeth), daughter Diane Nymeyer (Ron), step-son Mike Dunkin (Glenda), step-daughter Sue Oiness (Rick). Dick had eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
The family invites you to attend a memorial in Dick’s honor on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 3:00PM at the United Church of Ferndale (2034 Washington St, Ferndale) with Pastor Bobbi Virta officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Lighthouse Mission, and Whatcom Hospice House.
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: August 10, 2019 (3:00 PM)
- Venue: United Church of Ferndale
- Location: 2034 Washington Street Ferndale, WA 98248 - (Get Directions)
Calling Hours
- Date & Time: January 1, 1970 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: United Church of Ferndale
5 responses to Richard "Dick" Stone
Rich Emerson says:
August 4, 2019
Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done!
Karen A Hawk says:
August 5, 2019
Mr. Stone was beloved by his students at Ferndale High School over the many years he taught and served there as a counselor. I was fortunate to be assigned as his student assistant in 1957, my senior year at Ferndale and memories of that time are precious to me. If it was possible, he attended ‘every’ event he was invited to and it kept them very busy….reunions, lunches, breakfasts…the list goes on. Dick and Vi joined my class of ’57 for lunch once a month until about two years ago when his health declined and they weren’t able to be with us. It was a joy spending time with them and they have been missed! Love and prayers to Vi and the family. Rest peacefully, my dear Mr. Stone….your wonderful hugs will be with me always!
Diane Behme Scansen says:
August 6, 2019
Mr Stone, favorite of so many! His smile and laughter brightened the day for his students. His memory of student names was awesome! Condolences and prayers to Vi and the family.
Diane Behme Scansen, Class of 1955
Paul Jacobson says:
August 6, 2019
Dear Mr. Stone:
I should have written this letter many years ago as you have made a lasting impact on my life and I never fully disclosed this to you. Without your encouragement and support I do not believe I would have become the person I am. All through my school years at FHS, your personal conversations with an introvert and new kid on the block did much to build my self esteem and self worth. I really appreciated your support for my choice to join the Marines….as a veteran of the service. This meant a lot to me and made possible the life path that was before me.
You have left behind a multi-faceted legacy of service that I hope I am emulating in some small sense. I think that this is a way to honor you.
Thanks for your service of love….You have been a blessing to so many.
With much appreciation and sadness,
Paul…
John McGowan says:
August 10, 2019
Dear Chuck and Diane,
I thought I would be able to make your Dad’s service today, but it doesn’t look like I can. Sincerely wish I could.
I’m fondly remembering your Dad during those years of growing up in the neighborhood between our parent’s houses. He was kind, generous, and forgiving of the various “hell-raising activities” we got into, but still firm enough to let us know what our “boundaries” were! Chuck, I think back on your Dad letting us dam up that little ditch below your house, so we could make a small lake to shoot at our toy model ships with our BB guns! How did your Dad let us do that? He was a wise, tolerant man.
Your Dad was a fantastic man…and I feel lucky to have known him during those many years of growing up in Ferndale. I’m sure he was an influential “good” part of what I have become today, and I sincerely understand your loss during this time. I wish I could be there with you today to honor his memory….
John McGowan