Richard Paul Spiess

Hi Friend! - Hey Buddy! - Better now that I get to see you! – and You are the B-E-S-T! These are greetings we will have to hear in our hearts as Richard ‘Dick’ Spiess left for heaven to join his beautiful wife and his savior, JC. The Newport, Minnesota newspaper’s headline read “More Boys” as Dick and his twin brother Peter joined five brothers. Charles and Susan (Fritz) Spiess raised the boys on the Fritz farm, where Dick learned to embrace a traditional work ethic. Of course, he also embraced adventure. Working as a fishing guide on McFarland Lake in Minnesota remained one of Dick’s favorite memories. In his youth, Dick’s brothers, Maurice and Kenneth, both served as Marines in the Pacific Theater during WW II; Kenneth was killed in battle. His brothers’ service to their country was a great source of pride for Dick.

After his freshman year in high school, the family moved to the Salem, Oregon, area to pursue opportunities in the theater business. After graduating from Oregon City High School, Dick served in the Navy. At the end of his tour in the Navy, he was encouraged to display his basketball talents at the College of Idaho. It was at C of I that Dick would meet many lifelong friends – teammates and mentors. In fact, Dick played all four years and was the team captain his senior year on a team that only lost one game; two of his teammates (Elgin Baylor and R.C. Owens) became NBA and NFL Hall of Famers, respectively. Despite the success of the teams on which he played, Dick never spoke of scores or statistics but rather of the enduring friendships.

After his C of I days, Dick returned to the Salem, Oregon, area to work as a juvenile counselor. A wise man set up a blind date for Dick with one Loretta Marie Nyquist- the woman Dick would forever call his “beautiful wife.” Married on June 3, 1961, at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church in Salem, their 62-year marriage would be a font of faith, strength, and joy. Dick and Loretta lived in Pendleton, Oregon, from 1961-1969, during which time they welcomed their four children: Michael, Richard, Jr., Christine, and Michelle. In 1961, along with Dick’s brother Lowell, they purchased the drive-in theaters in Pendleton and Milton-Freewater. In 1969, Dick and Loretta moved their family to Milton-Freewater. In 1973, Dick and Loretta purchased what would become The Burger Hut. Dick and Loretta were the consummate partners – in marriage and in business. Their home was founded on faith and unconditional love. Memories of their home in Milton-Freewater gave Dick great joy. Whether hosting a party or taking time to meticulously decorate for Christmas, Dick loved the years spent in their home in Milton-Freewater.

And Dick loved the community. He loved the friends made at St. Francis of Assisi parish – the friends made at the Milton-Freewater Golf Course – and the friends made through the Horizon Center. Dick genuinely befriended the clients of the Horizon Center; he had a special love for those with mental and physical gifts – not challenges – but gifts. Dick truly saw the dignity in every person.

As many have shared with the family, Dick had a unique gift for genuinely making sure each person he encountered felt loved. His family – immediate and extended – have all been blessed by Dad’s, Grandpa Dick’s, and Uncle Dick’s ripple of love. It was a far-reaching ripple because Dick loved so many things: hunting with his Milton-Freewater friends; fishing with his family at Salmon Point on Vancouver Island; yearly visits to McCall, Idaho, and Hawaii to reunite with friends and family; sporting events from Little League to high school to cheer on his grandchildren; listening and dancing to any live music he could find; and simply embracing the gift of life. He often told us to “Work hard and play hard.” So, thanks to you – we are all better because we got to see you.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and by his seven brothers (Woodrow, Peter, Kenneth, Maurice, Gordon, Louis, and Lowell.)

Dick is survived by his children and their spouses: Michael (Lorie), Richard, Jr. (Renae), Christine Richard (Thomas), and Michelle Hobus (John). Dick’s eight grandchildren also carry on his legacy: Christopher Spiess (Misty), Sarah Spiess, Marcus Spiess, Joshua Richard, Timothy Richard (Kindall), Patrick Richard (Mikayla), Frank Hobus, and Ryan Hobus. Along with these are five great-grandchildren: Lucy, Daphne, and Emmi Spiess, and Maeva and Cohen Richard.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the loving and professional staff at both Brookdale of College Place and Park Manor Rehabilitation Center. They became Dad’s second family. In addition, our gratitude to Dr. Joanne Perez for her many years of caring for Dad is equally heartfelt. Lastly, the loving care of the Hospice staff certainly added an extra layer of love to Dad’s final days on this earth.

Viewing and visitation will be held Sunday, August 20, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with the recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 5:00 pm, at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla. Celebration of the Holy Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, August 21, 2023, at 11:00 am, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 2098 E. Alder, Walla Walla. Private family burial at the Milton-Freewater cemetery will immediately follow with a backyard dinner beginning at 4:00 pm at the home of Christine and Thomas Richard, 68 Russet Road, Walla Walla.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Walla Walla Catholic Schools’ Tuition Assistance Fund or Catholic Charities of Walla Walla through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com