Rick Munson

Rick Munson, age 68, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2012, at his home in Spokane Valley, Wash.

Rick was born June 7, 1944, to Paul Raynor and Mary Margaret (Ross) Munson in Portland, Ore.

He and his sister Sharon Ann were raised in Spokane. Rick was a scholarly student at Rogers High School, active in many school activities and graduating in 1962. Rick joined his father Paul in the road construction business, working on projects from Republic, Wash., where he enjoyed many cousins and family, to the Dayton area, and eventually moved to Grand Coulee, where he met and married Patricia (Patti) Perkins on April 19, 1965.

Together they had two children, Jeanne Marie and Kevin Michael. Rick worked at Les Schwab in Grand Coulee and bought a service station named Oil City. He was fondly nicknamed “Oil City Rick” by his many customers and friends.

In 1979 Rick returned to Spokane, working as a heavy equipment operator with his dad and Uncle Frank. He owned his own construction business and retired in 2002.

Rick met and married Jani (Williams) Fields on January 19, 1981. He became a step-father to Tamara Rae Henke and Aubree Lea Fields, and together they had a daughter, Mica Erin. Their extended families grew to include 10 grandchildren: Paul Curtis, Tye, Zach, Madelyn, Dennis, Dylan, Paul David, Eric, Luke and Maya. Whether golfing, playing chess or reading to them, his grandchildren were Rick’s pride and joy.

Rick had a passion for life, whether he was playing golf with his cousin Glen or his son and sons-in- law, fly fishing with his cousin Tom, riding Harleys with his many friends, four wheeling in Montana or the coast, or reading the encyclopedia on the computer. He loved geography and traveling, and there wasn’t a lot Rick didn’t know a little bit about. He loved blues festivals, camping with the family and his many faithful dogs who kept him company over the years.

Rick was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his wife Jani, his children Jeanne (Thad) Wilson of Leavenworth, Kevin (Jodi) Munson, Mica (Andrew) Rockefeller, Aubree Bammer, all of Spokane, Tamara (Tim) Rogers of Yakima, his sister Sharon and nephew Jeff Colistro of Spokane.

The family would like to thank Dr. Henry Mroch and Dr. Stuart Cavalieri for their many years of friendship and care of Rick.

There will be a celebration of Rick’s life at the family home on September 29, 2012, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Meals on Wheels, Veterans of America or a charity of your choice. Please visit the on-line memorial at: http://www.CommunityCremationService.com