Richard Chenoweth Egge, beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 with his family at his side, in his home on Bells Beach, Langley, WA. Born March 24, 1941, in Seattle, WA, to Richard Dexter Egge and Edna Louise Chenoweth, he was the oldest of four siblings and two step-siblings.
Rick graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1958 and from Gonzaga University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He was a lifelong supporter of Gonzaga and an avid Bulldog basketball fan. After obtaining his degree, Rick went into construction, eventually founding his own company, Dyad Construction, with his younger brother Jon. In 1971, the two men who had played together on the shores of Whidbey Island when they were boys, Rick, being the older brother played as “Richard the Lion Hearted” while Jon, being the younger brother, relegated to “The Evil Prince Jon”, built Dyad into a successful company that performed jobs in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Rick had a brilliant mind for estimating and construction and the two retired in 1993. After retiring, Rick formed a fishing-guide company called Reel Adventures, which he ran with his friend Terry Deeny, guiding fishermen in Alaska, Montana,Canada and Costa Rica for salmon and tarpon.
Rick was a strong, inspirational, and generous man who cared for others and especially for his family. He donated considerably to charity and, as an older man, he donated his time and talents to the Knights of Columbus, Langley Council, often selling hot dogs at community events on Whidbey Island. He loved the outdoors and to hunt and fish. He was a loving husband to his wife, Jeanette Reiser, having celebrated their 48 year wedding anniversary just two days before his passing. He passed at 83 years old, surrounded by family.
Rick died of cancer after an eight-month battle. His last moments were holding a rosary, with his final words to his wife, Jeanie, saying, “I love you.” He was preceded in death by his parents and step-sister, Jackie Laird. He leaves behind his wife Jeanette Reiser; his children, Jordan Seegert (Paul), Laura Monroe (Bryan), Ben Hunt (Erin); his grandchildren Aaliyah and Kiera Robinson, Samantha and Colby Kuhia, and Haylee and Naomi Hunt; his brothers, Jon and Steve Egge; sisters Janet McCaffray and Mary Parsons; step-brother John Flagg, their spouses, and many friends.
Rick will be buried at Calvary Cemetery, Seattle, King Co., WA. He will be missed by all.
A funeral service will be held for Rick at Saint Huberts Catholic Church in Langly, WA, on December 14th at 11:00 AM.