Richard James ‘Rick’ Maxwell, Sr., 50, a longtime resident of the Skagit Valley, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Rick was born on November 29, 1957 in Sedro-Woolley, the son of Donald & Catherine Maxwell.
He was raised and attended school in Sedro-Woolley until joining the U.S. Army to serve his country. After his discharge Rick returned to Skagit County where over the years he worked at a variety of occupations. He eventually volunteered with the Red Cross as a safety instructor, teaching CPR classes.
In 1991 Rick began a 17 year career with Bechtel International, one of the countries largest construction companies, as a regional safety manager. That job took him all over the United States, Europe, North Africa and to Saudi Arabia where in 1998 he met DiAnna Kluber. Rick and Dianna were united in marriage in Mount Vernon, Washington in 1999. They made their home in Skagit County until moving to Kennewick in 2007.
Rick was a gentle giant of a man; large in stature and large in heart, and children were drawn to him and he loved that. The sharing and giving is what he loved. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, gardening and sharing vegetables from his garden with neighbors and friends, cooking for his family and in general he just loved life.
Rick is survived by his wife DiAnna at the family home in Kennewick. His children, Richard, Aimee and Katrina Maxwell. His step-children, Jamie Daniels, Sara Standing and James Snodgrass. His parents, Don and Catherine Maxwell of Sedro-Woolley. Three brothers, Doug Maxwell and his wife Lynn, Howard Harriman and his wife Gudrun and Ed Wilson. Three sisters, Nancy Bonafede and her husband Bill, Paula Bennett and Gaye Bell and her husband Rick. Five beloved grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and a host of extended family and friends.
The Maxwell family thanks Dr. Houshang Shetabi and his wonderful staff for the care and support over the years. Rick was cancer free at his death.
A Life Celebration for Rick will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 11:00 AM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley. All are encouraged to bring a story to share. Memorials are suggested to North Puget Oncology, 2000 Hospital Dr. Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
Cremation and services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.