Richard “Rich” Carl Joneli, Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home in Sedro-Woolley, Washington on May 27, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was just one month shy of his 60th birthday.
Rich was born on June 22, 1963, in Sedro-Woolley, to Dick and Shirley Joneli. He was confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and graduated in 1981 from Sedro-Woolley High School. In 1990, Rich married his former spouse, Lisa Cole. Their relationship transformed into a lasting friendship, and together they lovingly raised two daughters, Ashley and Carley. Rich met his fiancé Cheri Reynolds in 2014, and they remained a loving couple until the end. Rich was employed at Skagit Steel/Bendix and Blue Diamond Dairy, but he spent the bulk of his career working almost 35 years for Meyer’s Sign Company as an installer.
In his free time, Rich could almost always be found in his garage working on one of his beloved collections of classic cars, tinkering being his truest passion. He was a proud member of Swindlers Car Club with many of his closest friends. He loved organizing their annual poker runs in addition to so many other happy times spent together. Rich was a gifted mechanic and very talented fabricator, with his pride and joy being the Bonneville lakester he built from scratch and later raced on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Planning to return to break his speed record was a favorite distraction during his cancer battle. (He was also hoping to break Ashley’s record, having been proud and tickled that she beat his speed when they attended together, and both raced the car he built in 2018.) The building of Rich’s lakester is documented on his Instagram page, @richjoneli (including the years his next dragster project took up residence in his living room, becoming part of his holiday decor tradition.)
Rich’s lifelong interest and natural affinity for playing music started with drumming for the school band and continued throughout his life. He was a self-taught guitarist, musically gifted and able to learn songs by ear. He continued to nurture this passion and hone his skills throughout his life, which came in handy during his family’s Wii Rock Band years when Rich delighted us all with his surprise expert skill and sudden willingness to play a video game!
Rich enjoyed the outdoors and created many wonderful memories with his family over the years. He loved camping and riding dirt bikes with his daughters and extended family, and many happy hours were spent on the water boating and tubing. Some of the family’s favorite times included their yearly summer visit to Samish Island over his birthday (so many epic parties, if that beach could talk)! Celebrating the 4th of July was also very special to Rich, going to the parade and lighting off fireworks with his daughters, visiting the rodeo, and hanging out around the campfire after with family and friends were some of his favorite times. (Even higher on his list than Vegas and Craps, which definitely deserve an honorable mention!)
Rich was known for his warm and friendly nature, always having a smile ready and being genuinely interested in just about any topic. He never met a stranger, and his family and friendships meant everything to him. Those closest to him often joked that you rarely went anywhere with Rich without him bumping into a friend (or making a new one). He could often be found chatting on the phone with friends, sharing memories and reminiscing about the past in vivid detail. Special thanks to close friends, Keith and Molly Brown for taco Tuesdays, cousin, John Grinton for Cascade Pizza nights and Tom Brown for coffee runs in the classic cars. He truly cherished this time together.
Rich is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Ashley and Nic Jacobs and Carley and John Lynch; granddaughters, Oaklee and Parker; sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Jim Allen; fiancé, Cheri Reynolds; former wife, Lisa Poling; mother-in-law, Sherri Cole; in-laws, Ann and Jeremy Rusnak, and Jason and Jess Cole; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins; his beloved dog, Bodie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard “Dick” and Shirley (Grinton) Joneli; grandparents, Carl and Frances Joneli and Walter and June Grinton; father-in-law, Ted Cole, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of Rich’s life will be held from 1-4pm on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at his home. Share your memories of Rich and sign the online guest register.
Our family would like to sincerely thank the doctors and staff at University of Washington Alvord Brain Tumor Center, Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center, and Hospice of the NW.
I never had the chance to meet Rich but know him through his sister, Debbie, and as a fellow patient with my late spouse, David, at the Alvord Brain Tumor Center. After reading this tribute, I now feel that I do know a little about Rich–and about the wonderful and creative life that he lived. He clearly has left his mark on the world and made it a better place.
Rich was not just a cousin to me, he was a role model. I can’t recall him ever having anything bad to say about anyone…that’s why he had so many friends that he treated like family. Being 5 years younger, I always wanted to help with any of his projects and did on many. Time spent in his garage to the times spent at the track,I will forever cherish. Rich was and will always be a legend in the hotrod community. Thank you “Cuz” for introducing me to your Swindlers Car Club family and many others. Rich will never be forgotten by those who knew him…The world will not be as “cool” without you. Rest in peace “Cuz” Love ya Brother 10-4.
Rich was the kind of guy that you only meet once in a lifetime. A people person to the core, Rich was friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable to everyone he came in contact with. Some of my favorite memories include the Clambake out at the cabin, poker runs, numerous nights at the races, bbq’s and of course Bonneville. Always willing to lend a hand, Rich was my go to guy with questions and how-to’s when building my car. I’ll cherish the time we spent together. Godspeed Rich. Gone but never forgotten.
Rich was a great neighbor, always waved every time he drove by.
Rich Joneli, what a great genuine guy! A good friend, father and awesome brother-in-law. Living out of state, we didn’t get see each other as much, but every time we got together, I could tell you were always happy to see me, gave me a big hug and we caught up on current life events. I have many family memories with you. However, my best memory was the summer of July 2002. Jason karaoking to “Devil went down to Georgia,” me playing my imaginary fiddle and out of nowhere you’re on the dance floor. You start kicking up your hills, dancing like guns were a firing with a little river dance added. Clapping and swinging your girls around and having a blast. You made my wedding reception so much fun! Jason and I think of you every time we hear that song and smile. Love you Rich! You will be missed.
I remember when Rich and I Pole vaulted together in high School. Fun times I think about often. Memories I will never forget.