Dick Zust, 71, died March 12, 2012, at Whidbey General Hospital, Coupeville. He was born Jan. 6, 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio, one of four children born to Anthony and Edna Zust.

Dick grew up in Cleveland and attended Ohio U., earning a Bachelor’s degree in business before enlisting in the U.S. Navy which brought him to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in 1963. He retired LTJG from the Navy in 1967.

Dick leaves behind brother, Dan Zust (Vi), sisters Diana Boepple (Hank), Connie Kroll (Don), and, Dick’s children Tom Zust, Tiffany Pomrenke (Thomas) grandchildren Harley Stuart and Dakota Jean Pomrenke. Dick’s son Tim preceded him in death.

Returning to Whidbey after a successful business career in the Midwest, Dick shared his life with Carol Peralta who, unfortunately, preceded him death.

Dick went on to build their dream home which was testament to his love, commitment, perseverance, and courage to build the home with her still in his thoughts. Always lending his support in the community, he was a charter member of NET and an active member in his Lion’s group building picnic tables for the farmers market and with the guys, sawed, chopped, split and delivered wood to folks in the community who needed wood to stay warm. A good hearted, genuine, kind and fun loving man will be sorely missed in the fabric of our daily life in Coupeville, on the golf greens in Oak Harbor and in all the hearts of all his friends and family. Dick, there is no way you will ever be forgotten. Through your eyes someone will see again. God bless you for the memories, and all the great times.

A celebration of Dick’s life was held at the Coupeville Recreation Hall on Tuesday, March 20, at 2 p.m. Please come and share your stories with friends and family.