Richard "Rick" Leon Armstrong

Richard “Rick” Leon Armstrong, 66, of Dayton, WA, passed away unexpectedly on October 16, 2023. Leon was born June 2, 1957, in Leavenworth, KS, to John T. and Vera Lamoine Armstrong. He was one of nine siblings, with six sisters and two brothers. Leon married the love of his life, Deboraha J. Neissl, on July 6, 1979, in Charleston, AR. They would go on to have four children together. In the summer of 1984, Leon and Debbie relocated to Walla Walla, WA, to the house on Canberra Drive that the kids will forever call home. Although Leon and Debbie would go on to divorce later in life, they have and will forever remain the love of one another’s lives!

Leon spent the kids’ early years as stay-at-home dad while also managing the local ice rink, the Walla Walla Ice Chalet. Leon and family spent many days, nights, and holidays together at that ice rink, skating and playing hockey. He was a coach to many over the years, including football, baseball, softball, soccer, and hockey. Leon had a passion for music, with a love for all genres, from James Taylor, Black Sabbath, Tool, to Taylor Swift, Bob Marley, and the Dave Matthews Band. #41 baby! He spent time daily playing his guitar and recently recorded music with friends. When he wasn’t indoors playing guitar, he could be found on his boat, fishing from a riverbank, up in the hills hunting, enjoying time with kids & grandkids or… on a beach somewhere. As Leon would say, “beach livin is GOOD livin!” His love for life was truly contagious!

Leon was preceded in death by his father: John T. Armstrong, and sisters: Sharon Armstrong and Debbie Armstrong. He is survived by his children: Jamie Armstrong, Kevin Armstrong, Joseph Armstrong, and Joni (Zak) Barker; His grandchildren: Madison (Jeff) Warner, Marlee, Mersadie and Mikaya Nauta; Lily, Dave, Phoenix and Faeryn Barker, Porter Armstrong and Ukiah Mackler, and Torrn Armstrong; His great-grandchildren: Adelynn and Waylon Warner. His mother: V. Lamoine Gragg; His brothers: John C. Armstrong and Larry Armstrong; His sisters: Brenda Copenhaver, Sandy Birdsong, Sue Kelley, and Sherry Black; And the love of his life, Debbie Armstrong. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends he considered family.

In celebration of Richard “Rick” Leon, there is a big ass party being held Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 2 pm at the “family farm” located at 4131 Middle Waitsburg Road, Walla Walla. Open to all who know and love him. Please bring a dish to share for a potluck, your own beverages, and a chair. In lieu of flowers, please save for your own personal “adventure fund.” Go visit somewhere new, somewhere old, or see your favorite band in concert. “For life is short but sweet for certain!”