Obituary of Richard Winkenwerder

Richard Winkenwerder passed away while on a walk August 2, 2017. He left as he wanted – comfortable and happy knowing he had accomplished his primary goals – leaving his wife, Bonnie, relatively free from worry and providing his children with the tools necessary to survive the challenges of life. Dick was born in Yakima, WA, on September 10, 1930, to parents Clarence Francis and Helmi (Sandberg) Winkenwerder. He attended Yakima Senior High School where he was President of his senior class and a member of the National Honor Society; Yakima Valley Junior College where he belonged to Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society; Washington State College where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and earned a B.A. degree in Mathematics; and the University of Washington where he was a teaching assistant and graduate student in the Math Department. Dick served five years in the U.S. Air Force as a First Lieutenant from 1953-1958 and an additional three years in the Reserves where he reached the rank of Captain. His service was as a weather forecaster for the U.S. Air Defense Command, training he gained at Penn State College for a full year in their Meteorology Department, graduating with a B.S. Degree. Among his tours was a year in Osan, Korea, shortly after the end of the conflict. Dick came to Seattle after his Air Force discharge in 1958 to start his actuarial career. After two years with Northern Life Insurance Co., he joined Milliman, Inc., now a global actuarial and consulting firm, in 1960. He became a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (F.S.A.) and spent his business career as a Principal with Milliman, Inc., retiring at the close of 1991. He was a specialist in retirement plans and investment issues and counted many Northwest firms (as well as others) as his clients. He enjoyed the challenge of helping clients find solutions to the issues facing them. He belonged to many professional organizations serving as president or officer capacity for many. He prided himself in professionalism and integrity and doing a job the best he could. A favorite saying of his was, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing the best you can.” He was a supporter of several charities and non-profit organizations, recognizing that their services to the community were essential. He was a person who believed in helping others, who believed there was nothing wrong in saying “I made a mistake” or “I’m sorry” or “I apologize.” He was well known among his friends for his lists of information and things to do that he carried with him and had placed in strategic places in his homes. Dick was an avid skier and jogger and spent a great deal of time fishing in his younger years. He believed in physical fitness and generally taking care of his body and living a healthy life. He enjoyed the outdoors and was especially fond of golf. He and his wife, Bonnie, visited and fell in love with Borrego Springs, CA, in the late 1970’s where they purchased a condominium and resided periodically until 20016. The desert beauty, quiet community and night skies that were alive captured their love and made Borrego Springs a very special place for them. Dick enjoyed traveling with his wife, Bonnie. Their many trips took them to beautiful and interesting places around the world -from skiing in the Swiss Alps, climbing the Great Wall in China, travels to Europe, the Amazon River and many memorable cruises. He celebrated his 75 Birthday by taking his family on a Caribbean Cruise - making special memories for all. Travel and family were a special part of Dick’s life. Dick was very involved with the ownership and operations of the Inn of the Seventh Mountain in Bend, OR, from the late 1980’s until 1996 helping the Inn overcome financial and operational issues (as a condo owner, not as an actuary). While this new involvement took a great deal of time, he and Bonnie enjoyed their time in Bend and made many new friends. In 1996, Dick and Bonnie moved full time to their former second home on Hood Canal, near Union. This was special to them both and was a favorite gathering place for friends and family. While everyone indulged in the seafood and played in the water, Dick’s dedication, so is said, was to work on his 120’ floating dock – repairing, replacing, cleaning, sealing and just enjoying. Much humor was addressed about “Dick’s Dock.” Dick is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Bonnie; sons Alan Duff, John Alexander, and David Alan;daughters Jill Lee Winkenwerder, Lynn LesleeGrotjahn(Dave), and Heidi Marie Schooley (Chris);along with nine grandchildren, many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his only sibling, Dorothy Ann Elder of Portland, OR. Dick was a loving husband and father who lived his life to the fullest each day. He worked hard and enjoyed playing as well. He was a man with a strong faith, willingly shared his knowledge, loved generously,laughed often. He set an example for many of what a good man is, yet he was very humble about his influence on others. Lifetime memories of champagne cruises with family and friends, dancing, hat nights, beach fires and quiet sunsets. He was loved so much and will be missed, but will live in our hearts forever! Services and a Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. September 2 at The New Community Church of Union, 951 E. Dalby Road, Union, WA. Remembrances may be sent to • Washington State University Foundation (https://foundation.wsu.edu/give/ or 800-448-2978): o Richard and Bonnie Winkenwerder Scholarship in Mathematics o Dr. Elson S. Floyd Medical Education Founder's Fund o Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Student Scholarship Fund • YWCA of Seattle King Snohomish County: https://ywcaworks.org/donate> Endowment • The New Community Church of Union: http://www.thenccu.org/give/ >Building Fund • Jubilee Reach: https://www.jubileereach.org/donate-general-form • Virginia Mason Foundation: http://www.virginiamasonfoundation.org/memorial-and-tribute-gifts