Richard F. Curry

Long Beach resident Richard F. "Dick" Curry, 66, died in Longview, Washington on May 21, 2009 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Born October 23, 1942 in Yakima, WA, he was the son of Fred and Pauline (Steiner) Curry. He lived in Yakima with his parents until 1953 when they moved to Ilwaco. There, Dick completed his education, graduating from Ilwaco High School in 1961. In 1963 he married his high school sweetheart Linda Stewart. From 1966 until 1969 he served in the United States Army, stationed in Alaska where he worked on the Army's Nike Missile System. Dick Returned to the Peninsula and began working for Public Utility District #2 in 1969, retiring from service there in 1999. Dick began serving with the Ilwaco Fire Department in 1959 prior to his Army deployment. After returning from the Army and moving to Long Beach, he joined the Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department reaching the rank of assistant chief until retirement in 1999. He was also an EMT on the Long Beach Ambulance Service. Dick served for 15 years as a board member of Great Northwest Federal Credit Union and was elected chairman of the board for several terms. Spending time outdoors, fishing, and hunting were some of his favorite activities. Trips to Reno, Nevada were a favorite vacation destination and provided many days of fun and excitement. Dick's family was the top priority in his life and he was especially close to his grandchildren. Blessed with a delightful sense of humor, his hearty laugh will be remembered by many. Dick also had an immeasurable set of skills and talent that allowed him to succeed at any project he started. Besides his loving wife Linda, Dick is survived by sons Kevin Curry of Long Beach, Steven Curry (Amy) of Long Beach; sisters Helen (Art) Beehler of Portland, OR and Eva (Harry) Noonan of Silver Lake, WA; grandchildren Rebecca, Alaina and Brent Curry; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, May 30, 2009, 11:00 AM at the Peninsula Church Center in Seaview, Wa with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Long Beach Fire Department, PO Box 310, Long Beach, WA 98631. The guest book is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.