Richard Lafayette

Richard William LaFayette passed away at the age of 90, on November 7, 2023, in Tukwila WA. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on 11/17/1932. Richard “Dick” moved with his parents Norman and Constance, from Detroit to California for a short time before landing in Renton, WA. There he graduated from Renton High School. Dick met Patsy on a blind date soon after graduation.  Dick was smitten, Patsy not so much!

Encouraged by Patsy’s mother, a second date happened, and the rest is history.  Dick and Patsy were married in July 1953 and nearly two weeks later Dick shipped off to Japan with the Army for two years.

In 1955 Dick was discharged from the service, returned home to his beautiful wife, and began college.  He graduated in 1960 with a degree in journalism (and never could spell or type) and applied his education in the field of advertising.  During this time Dick and Patsy had 4 children: Russell was born in 1956, followed by Jeanne in 1958, then Tracy in 1961, and lastly Michelle in 1963.

Russell is married to Lucy (Tjoelker) and they have 2 sons, Benjamin and Michael, who each have 2 children, Peyton and Wyatt from Ben and his wife Jessica, and Katelyn and Owen from Mike and his wife Melissa. Jeanne is married to Jeff McDonald and they have a daughter, Rachael. Tracy is married to Barbara (Hogan). Chellie is married to Linda Carr and they have 1 son, Matthew.

Dick and Patsy loved to travel. The travel bug began with Dick’s love of history, especially WWII. They traveled extensively within the US and visited many other countries.

Other hobbies and interests included history, which led to his large collection of WWII memorabilia, skiing, woodworking, building a sand rail and trailer and playing in the sand with the family.

The family spent 3 years in Connecticut when Dick was Advertising Manager for Saab Motors. They then returned to Washington and spent many weekends at the Washington Alpine Club, snow skiing and making wonderful lifelong friends.

Dick was always ready to laugh and to perpetrate practical jokes. His funny jokes and cartoons are legendary. If you knew Dick, you knew his sense of humor. He and Patsy enjoyed lifelong friendships from all over the world.

In the last several years Dick became a “Master Napologist” and developed a great love of all things Ice Cream. He was very proud of his family and especially his love of his “Short Blonde wife” Patsy.

Burial will be on 11/22/23 at 2:10 pm at Tahoma National Cemetery at 18600 SE 240th St, Kent WA. 98042.

There will be a memorial gathering after the burial from 3:30 to 5:30 at The Holden Southcenter, 112 Andover Pk E, Tukwila, WA 98188

Please leave online condolences at www.powersfuneralhome.com