Richard Francis Ownbey
February 7, 1945 – October 6, 2020
Richard Francis Ownbey passed-away at home on October 6th, 2020 after a 5-year battle with bladder cancer. He was 75 years old.
He was born in Colfax, WA in 1945 to Marion and Ruth Ownbey. He grew up in Pullman, WA and attended school there through 12th grade, except for 4th grade when the family lived in Geneva, Switzerland for a year while his father was on sabbatical leave. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1967 with a degree in zoology.
He joined the US Navy in September of 1967. He retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in September of 1997. He spent 22 years of his 30-year Navy career at NAS Whidbey Island but was also stationed in San Diego, Japan, Guam and Millington, Tennessee. After retirement he worked at Copeland Lumber until it closed and then spent a lot of years selling thrift store treasures on eBay. He was a Washington State Master Gardener for over 20 years and an avid stamp collector. He and Kathy did a lot of traveling including to South America and Europe and he loved taking car trips all over the US, especially going to Texas every summer.
He is survived by his wife of almost 53 years, Kathy (Harrington) Ownbey and their 3 daughters: Jennifer Ownbey (George), Marcy Le Compte (Thom) and Joanna Reed (Mike). His is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Alex, Ryan and Jordan LeCompte and Chase, Jack and Max Reed. He is also survived by his sisters Martha Jones (Sid), Barbara McLaughlin (Chuck) and his brother David Ownbey.
Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com .
A memorial service will be held at a later date due to current restrictions. Please watch this website for updates regarding the memorial and please no flowers at this time.