Obituary

The long and productive life of Richard J. Fowler came to a peaceful end Sept. 4, 2018. Dick was the son of Walt and Ida Fowler, who raised their family of eight children on a Montana wheat ranch in the depths of the Depression. These early years gave Dick a “can do” attitude that never deserted him until his final years of battling Alzheimer’s. Dick spent four years in the Air Force at the time of the Korean War. This was followed by college at WSU, grad school at Texas A&M, and twenty-five years of teaching in the Technology Dept. of Western.

Dick always had a ‘project’ going either at home, helping a friend, or doing maintenance and repairs for Lydia Place. In the midst of everything, he found time to write a basic electricity textbook that is still in wide use after nearly 40 years, and eight editions.

Dick married his Montana classmate, Arla Roser, in 1951 and they raised their three children, Trina, Nancy and Neal, in Bellingham. Dick and Arla enjoyed many happy years of retirement before he became ill: volunteering, pursuing hobbies, and traveling widely.

Dick is survived by his wife of 67 years, Arla; son, Neal; daughter, Trina Robertson and grandchildren, Ryan and Kara Duval-Fowler. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy Pollack.

The family would like to thank the care-givers at Silverado and Hospice for their loving care in Dick’s final days.

Friends of Dick are invited to join the family in a celebration of his life at the Squalicum Boathouse on Sept. 28 at 1:00 P.M.

Contributions in Dick’s name may be sent to Lydia Place, or a charity of your choice.