Richard R Lancaster

Richard R. Lancaster February 21, 1941 - September 2, 2018 Orondo, Washington Richard (Dick) Ralph Lancaster, of Orondo, embarked on a grand new adventure on September 2, 2018. The youngest of eight siblings (Bill, Steve, Wallace, Barney, John, Joe, and Marie) born of William and Emma Lancaster. He was the last of the Tall Timbers, Richard lived a rich life full of love and laughter. Born February 21, 1941, he grew up in East Wenatchee and graduated from Eastmont High before taking a job at Alcoa where he worked for 30 years. During that time he pursued his passion for farming, eventually owning award-winning Pine Canyon and Lancaster Orchards. He loved growing apples and cherries, an enthusiasm he passed on to his son Rick and daughter Sally. Jill didn't care much for it. He kept trying to teach Rick a thing or two down at the shop until his passing. As CEO and sole employee of Farmco Electric, Welding, and Machine BR-549 (see Hee Haw) he was the guy everyone called on to fix-it. Nobody knows how things will get fixed now. Richard was former Fire Commissioner of the Orondo Fire Department and volunteer firefighter for 30 years. A lifetime outdoorsman, this multi-faceted man was also a ski patrolman at Mission Ridge. An avid stopper at unusual roadside attractions, his legacy boasts having visited every giant ball of twine in at least three states. Richard was known for his dry sense of humor, which he passed on to some of his children. He was fond of silly puns and loved to tell stories and tried out new material daily at the coffee club at the Orondo store. The smartest thing he ever did was marry Flora Griggs Lancaster on January 6, 1962. Together they had three devoted children, Rick, Sally and Jill, daughters-in-law Sandra Lancaster and Melanie Wilhoite, and five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Jordan (Lancaster) Blaser, grandson-in-law Daniel Blaser, Olivia, Clay, Kian, Zia, Eleanor and Lawrence, who loved spending time with grandpa and miss him with all their hearts. Unpretentious and down-to-earth as ever, Richard wouldn't want a fuss over his departure. In fact, he might just bid farewell by saying, as he did to his grandkids, "See you around like a donut if you don't turn square." After while, crocodile. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 8, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. at the Numerica Performing Arts Center, 123 North Wenatchee Avenue. Remembrances can be made by donating to the Orondo Fire Department, DCFD #4 Orondo, P.O. Box 258 Orondo, WA 98843