Obituary

Richard Jameson Langabeer, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Birch Bay on April 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. His life was filled with laughter, purpose, and a deep, enduring love for those closest to him.

Richard was born in Seattle, WA, to Kent Charles Langabeer and Margaret Josephine (Jameson) Langabeer. He carried their values of hard work, kindness, and quick wit throughout his life. Richard graduated from the University of Washington in 1965 with a degree in Political Science (go DAWGS!), followed by earning his Juris Doctor from Gonzaga Law School in 1970. On the 11th of September, 1965, he married the love of his life, Jacqueline “Jacqui” P. Oves, in Seattle—a partnership that grew stronger every year across six decades.

Richard lived with a generosity of spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone. He practiced law for 48 years with deep integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to his clients and community. After early work in Lynden and Ferndale, Richard founded his own firm, building lasting partnerships and friendships through decades of trusted legal service. Over the years, his firms – Langabeer, Tull & Cuillier; Langabeer & Tull; and Langabeer & Traxler— were well known and respected throughout Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Richard took special pride in helping families navigate life’s most important decisions, offering clarity and empathy in every interaction. He never hesitated to step up when someone needed guidance or support—and for many, he became more than a lawyer; he became a steady and trusted presence in their lives.

Richard loved gatherings—whether he was cooking a full holiday meal from scratch, sharing stories around the campfire, hiking in Mt. Baker National Forest, or captaining his boat on camping adventures with friends and family. His spirit felt most free – navigating through the San Juans, wading into the Sauk River, or soaking up the sun in Maui, Lake Chelan, or Orcas Island. The natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest was his playground, and few things brought him more joy than being in or on the water—except being a husband, dad, and grandpa.

Summers were spent clamming, crabbing, fishing, and gardening—then turning the day’s bounty into feasts shared with family and friends. Richard lived for negative low tides and would joyfully pull his entire family along (often as catch limits) to dig horse clams in Birch Bay—a favorite, full-body contact sport for the Langabeers & Oves. In the fall, he cheered on his Huskies with fierce loyalty, never missing a game and always ready with a spirited “Go DAWGS!”

He found joy in the everyday: riding his tractor across the land he loved, pruning fruit trees, gardening and cooking from the garden, scouring local farms for the freshest corn and green beans, organizing the family’s annual pickling party, tossing a ball for his beloved dog Callie, and filling every moment with laughter. His wit was quick, his hugs strong, and his presence magnetic—he lit up every room just by walking in.

Richard is survived by his wife and best friend of 60 years, Jacqui Langabeer; his son Richard Jameson “Jamie” Langabeer Jr. and daughter-in-law Aimee Langabeer; his daughter Brenna Langabeer Schlagenhauf and son-in-law Erik Schlagenhauf; and his treasured grandchildren, Carter Jameson Langabeer and Audrey Grace Langabeer. His legacy lives on in their hearts and in the many lives he touched.

In keeping with Richard’s spirit, the family will privately notify loved ones and friends for an upcoming celebration of his life. All who knew him are invited to share in the joy of his memory.

We love you, dad. You are forever with us, out there “Taking It To The Limit – One More Time!”

In Lieu of Flowers, to honor Richard’s lifelong commitment to helping others, the family suggests donations be made to PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice in his name.