Richard Melvin Otis
August 15, 1946 - June 24, 2016
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Richard Melvin Otis
August 15, 1946 - June 24, 2016
Obituary
Born 69 years ago, Richard Melvin Otis finally succumbed to the ravages of ALS on Friday, June 24th. He will be sorely missed by so many.
Richard enjoyed a happy childhood, growing up in Bellingham with his brothers, surrounded by many, many friends. Upon graduating from Bellingham HS in 1964, he began working for the Bellingham Herald. Menial tasks led to greater ones, and he ultimately carved out a lengthy career with the local newspaper. This career was interrupted by the Viet Nam War. To do his part, Richard volunteered with the U.S. Air Force and served his country through four turbulent years. Upon discharge, he resumed his work with the Herald, moving into the composing room, where he learned to assemble each page before printing. No one did it better.
In his spare time, Richard hosted a radio show called Buried Treasures. Here he shared with listeners his love for records of the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s.
To his great delight, Richard came to know Jesus Christ as his personal savior. This brought him great joy for many years and served to inspire and uplift him all the way to the end of his bodily existence.
Richard is survived by his wife Camille, his daughter Holly Otis & partner Kenneth Prince, his daughter Amanda Henderson, husband Justin & their sons, Ezekiel and Judah. Also surviving are his brothers Bob and Ron.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 1st at 11am at Moles Farewell Tributes, Bellingham (2465 Lakeway Drive) followed by a reception.
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: July 1, 2016 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes- Bellingham
- Location: 2465 Lakeway Dr Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) -73-3-0510
11 responses to Richard Melvin Otis
Sandy Johnson says:
June 24, 2016
To Dick’s family,I knew Dick virtually our entire lives. We grew up in the same neighborhood, a block apart. Attended schools together, and naturally he was our paper delivery person! My oldest brother even owns and lives in the house next door to the Otis Franklin street home. Have very fond memories of Dick over all these years. His easy going nature and quick smile, made him a great person to be around. Over the last 50 years only saw him at reunion gatherings, but he always had time to catch up! Rest in peace my friend…
Sandy Johnson says:
June 24, 2016
To Dick’s family,I knew Dick virtually our entire lives. We grew up in the same neighborhood, a block apart. Attended schools together, and naturally he was our paper delivery person! My oldest brother even owns and lives in the house next door to the Otis Franklin street home. Have very fond memories of Dick over all these years. His easy going nature and quick smile, made him a great person to be around. Over the last 50 years only saw him at reunion gatherings, but he always had time to catch up! Rest in peace my friend…
SFC Bernard Offley USA Ret says:
June 24, 2016
Dick and I were friends while we were in school, we each brought our electric trains to each others home to run them. He was a good friend and I always remembered him. I will pray for him and I will notify the Air Base chaplain. May fellow classmate, friend and veteran rest in peace
SFC Bernard Offley USA Ret says:
June 24, 2016
Dick and I were friends while we were in school, we each brought our electric trains to each others home to run them. He was a good friend and I always remembered him. I will pray for him and I will notify the Air Base chaplain. May fellow classmate, friend and veteran rest in peace
Loxie Fiedler Ayers says:
June 24, 2016
I first knew Dick in Sunnyland, and then through Whatcom and BHS. He was always the nicest guy with a great, friendly smile. It has been great to reconnect with Dick through the years via grade school pizza dinners and BHS functions. My thoughts and prayers to his family. I wish him peace and Godspeed on his journey. He will be missed.