Retired Navy. Lt. Richard “Rick” Chandler of Coupeville and San Diego died Feb. 16, 2005 at age 57 while taking part in a fun run at North Island Naval Air Station. His wife Carol waited at the finish line and followed aid cars to where Rick fell, but his heart had stopped.

The Chandlers enjoyed physical fitness. Carol taught aerobics here for 18 years and Rick was a regular swimmer, biker and hiker. He also loved yoga.

He served locally as the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station’s Public Affairs Officer from 1979 to early 1982, when he went to Japan and then Hawaii. He served 20 years in the U. S. Navy.

He was born August 18, 1947 in Lancaster, Pa., to John and Beulah Chandler, and joined the Navy in 1967. He graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in oceanography in 1974 and got his commission as a naval officer.

He also received his master’s in systems management from the University of Southern California while stationed in Hawaii.

Rick and his wife Carol have been together since their senior year of high school and were blessed with almost 40 years as partners. Their children Colby, 37, and Kelly, 28, both live in San Diego.

His sister, Dorothy Whissler of Lancaster, Pa., also survives him.

Carol expects to return to Coupeville in May at which time a local memorial service will be announced. The family asks that memorials be made in Rick’s name to the Lance Armstrong LiveStrong organization.