Richard Leo Sinclair

Richard L. "Rick" Sinclair, 88, beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle to many, completed his journey the evening of May 31st. The following day marked their 67th wedding anniversary. His devoted wife Jeanette was at his side, along with their 3 children, Judi, Dick & Ken; their spouses, Roger, Sue & Lindy respectively. Also present were granddaughters, Janelle Austin and Ashley Reeves and grandniece, Susie Hendrickson. Other grandchildren include Jerrol Austin of Seattle, Beth Smith and Anna Sinclair of Portland, OR., John and Joe Bonniwell of East Wenatchee, Jacob and Cassandra Wilkinson of Wenatchee, Nikki Gilbert of Bellingham, WA and Grant Gilbert of East Wenatchee. Born in Sanford, Maine, the youngest of 8 children to Fred & Anna Sinclair, his family made the trip out west to Wenatchee when he was 4 years old. He resided locally until the time of his passing. He joined the Navy at 17 and served in the South Pacific during W.W.II. Upon his return, Rick & Jeanette were introduced through a mutual friend, began dating and were married on June 1, 1947. As mom told us kids, "The rest is history, we were soul mates". He went to work at Keokuk Smelter in Rock Island in the early 50's, where he later became a foreman, retiring after 38 years. Many and diverse were the hobbies and interests he pursued during his lifetime; from building their first home together to the grandfather clock in their living room. His crowning achievement now stands outside their home overlooking the Columbia River, where he skillfully transformed undeveloped land into a beautiful expanse of lawn, flower gardens and rockery that was featured in the local 'Tour of Gardens' years ago. Their favorite room supplied them with a beautiful view of that area. With the help of his family and CWH Hospice, he was able to spend his remaining days at home overlooking that area. As a young boy he attended the original location of Grace Lutheran Church on Lewis & Methow Streets, where he & Jeanettte were later married. When the congregation re-located to the current building on Washington St. they followed and attended for many years. Like many of us, dad drifted away from actual church attendance years ago but a few years back stated that during a difficult time in the hospital, he'd done a lot of soul searching and wanted to renew his faith in Christ. "I've known about these things since I was a little boy", he said. He enjoyed reading his bible and when he could no longer see well, listening to bible tapes. The family would like to give special thanks and recognition to Dr. Murray and Dr. Roles of Confluence Health and Dr. Seawick of Spokane Providence Sacred Heart. They, along with the many nurses and specialists he met along the way and special help from Confluence T.C.U. extended his life for the past few years. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local Humane Society. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at 19 Loon Lane, Rock Island, on Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 11:00-2:00pm with Memorial and Military Service at 12:00. You are invited to visit his tribute online and leave a condolence at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com . Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Richard Leo Sinclair

March 11, 1926 - May 31, 2014