Richard Lee Schleigh

RICHARD LEE SCHLEIGH

March 3,1934 – January 7, 2021

With Joy in his heart Richard was embraced by God and welcomed to his heavenly home.

With Grateful and Loving Hearts we said our goodbyes to our Father, Husband and brother on Jan 7.2021

Richard (Dick) was loved and admired by everyone that knew him. His memorable smile and laugh put everyone at ease.  He never knew a stranger, everyone was his friend.  Always available to help and teach or pray with who ever needed a helping hand.

Born in Medford, Oregon March 3, 1934 to Ruth Magdalean and Clifford Errol Schleigh, the 3rd child of 6. The well balanced middle child with 4 sisters and a younger brother.

A track and baseball star at Medford High School and on his way to fame only to be slowed down by Rheumatic Fever condition that kept him bed ridden for nearly a year. During that time he read a lot and had many pen pals. One of his jobs he enjoyed and talked about was working at the Crater Lake gas station several summers.  At 17 he met Vinnie and he knew the minute they met he would marry her.  Dick and Vinnie were married December 29, 1956.

He was drafted into the Army and served the majority of his 2yrs of service at Ft. Greeley in Alaska. Back in Medford Vinnie delivered their first child Priscilla. Shortly after that they traveled north to be with dad in Dot Lake, AK near the Base. They have wonderful memories of their time helping out a local church and orphanage.

In 1962 with a growing family they moved to Puyallup where he was offered a job to learn the carpet business. After a few years he branched out on his own and started “Dicks Carpet Service” which was well respected for his attention to detail and quality of his work.  In business for 40 years, he never needed anything more than personal references and he was never at a loss for work.  Dick and Vinnie always found ways to have a second childhood with their 5 children, from motorbike riding, camping, and boating. Boating became a wonderful time for them to spend time with their family. First with a small boat and then later with their beloved Grand Banks.  He always had plenty of time to take his kids on summer long driving trips. One memorable trip was to Alaska in the big carpet van tripped out with beds. Dick was a mentor and taught many young men the business and the value of a job well done.

He was generous with his time and talent giving to causes he felt strongly about, church, mission trips to Haiti and many other groups.  He made sure our home was always open to friends and extra kids that needed extra encouragement.

After retirement from the carpet business, Dick and Vinnie traveled in their motorhome around the US and made one final grand adventure up the Inside Passage to Alaska in the Grand Banks we named DiVine, after Mom. While on the 3 month long trip several of their children flew up and traveled a bit with them. He loved to golf and being outdoors. Many winters they spent in Southern California and Arizona soaking up the sun. Most of all he loved his family and in his last days texting and calling everyone to let them know how much he loved them.

He leaves his beloved wife Vinnie Esther they were Married 64 years.

3 Siblings Leona Blankenship (Donald) Medford,OR Lester (Pat) Nevada, RoseMary James  New Mexico

5 children

Priscilla Lee Schleigh,(James) of Vashon Island

Richard Lowell Schleigh, (Cheryl) Puyallup.

Robert Lester Schleigh (Kris Lemon) Tacoma

Peggy Lynn Schleigh Grandon, Puyallup

Ruthie Lauren Schleigh Nicholson (Travis) Snohomish

9 Grandchildren, James, Jared, Annie, Ashley, Benjamin, Milo, Tula, Otto and Violette

3 Great grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his Parents Ruth and Clifford Schleigh, Sisters Rita and Inez.

Due to the Covid Virus there will only be a small family internment at this time. Sometime later we hope to have a Joyous Memorial to celebrate this wonderful man