Richard Elias Willner reunited with his eternal sweetheart Wednesday September 23rd 2015. His final hours were at his home with loving family. Richard was born in Jacksonville Illinois August 29th 1930.
After graduating from Hillsboro High School in Oregon, Richard enlisted in the United States Navy. He earned the Rank of Chief Petty Officer and was a decorated veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars; including being a recipient of the Purple Heart. He married his loving wife of 43 years on October 31st, 1970. Exactly a year after they married, he retired from the Navy.
Following retirement, Richard went to work in Keyport, Washington. The family then moved to Greenwater, where they owned and operated the Greenwater General Store from 1975 to 1980 and withstood a devastating flood. Undaunted, they rebuilt and continued to thrive in the community. During the time in Greenwater, Richard served as the Greenwater Fire Commissioner. Next they moved to Enumclaw and he went to work at Exotic Metals while maintaining a small farm. Finally, he retired in 1993 and eventually moved to Bonney Lake. He remained active in serving his community as the East Pierce Fire Commissioner and serving his church.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife Joan, father Richard Arthur Willner, mother and step father Lilly and Bud Williams, brother Allen Lee Willner and sons; Tony and Richard Willner. He is survived by daughters Vicki Hulsey (Tom) of Black Diamond, WA, Cindy Lingel (Curt) of Bremerton, WA, Pam Lokovsek (Curt) of South Prairie, WA, son Tom Willner of Vancouver, WA, brother William “Percy” Willner of Hillsboro, OR, and sister Terry Tron of Camarillo, CA. He also leaves a legacy of 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Richard will forever be remembered as a loyal husband, devoted father and a fierce friend.
He was hardworking, honest and patriotic, always seeking opportunities to instill the same values in his children and grandchildren. He could always be found helping others in need and his generosity was among his finest qualities. He enjoyed woodworking, home improvement, fishing, hunting and serving everyone he knew. Richard received great joy and peace in attending services at Hope Lutheran Church. He was a man of faith with a testimony of the gospel and a love for his Savior and Father in Heaven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Care Alliance of Seattle or Relay for Life.
