At age 89, Richard Arthur “Dick” Sherwood’s life-journey ended Feb. 3. He was born on Dec. 8, 1927, to Arthur William Sherwood and Laura Watson at home near Deming, Wash.
Dick joined the Army in 1945 at age 17. He was honorably discharged in 1948 after two and a half years deployment to occupied Germany.
Dick held a variety of jobs: logging, commercial fishing in California and was an auto mechanic at various dealerships in Oak Harbor and Coupeville from 1951 to 1973. He was also the Oak Harbor city shop mechanic 1973 to 1994.
The years working for the city — the comradery between the utility crews, garbage truck drivers, ground maintenance people, office personanel and administration — were some of the best years in Dick’s career.
In 1994, Dick retired for good and set about enjoying the rest of his years. In his retirement, Dick enjoyed upland game bird hunting, fishing, clamming and towing a fifth wheel as far, and to as many places, as he could.
Dick’s wife Nita passed away in 2013 after 63 years of marriage.
Both are very grateful to a variety health care providers they relied on over the years, but particularly would like to gratefully thank WhidbeyHealth, WhidbeyHealth Hospice, Dr. Roof, the Lions Club, Granddaughter Alison Lee, Carrie Stone and Kim Dolan.
Without these organizations and individuals, it would have been impossible for Dick and Nita Sherwood to stay and manage their health and live their lives until their passing at home.
Dick is survived by the families of daughter Linda (Mike) Keith, son Bill (Theresa) Sherwood, and daughter Vicki (Larry) Deschaine, as well as six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Over many years and conversations, one constant was ever present, the appreciation of those who helped him during times of trouble; injury, health, financial, career, and the great pleasure to have helped some of the people he met along the way.
I’m sure if he could, Dick’s last words would have been “Good Luck and Farewell.”
A private family gathering will be held at 2:30 p.m. March 10, at Clear Lake Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make any donations you may wish to make in memorial to the Oak Harbor Lions club or WhidbeyHealth Hospice.
