Richard K. Hood was born Jan. 3, 1919, in Fremont, Neb., to Grace Matilda and Fred Cloid Hood. He died March 27, 2003 at Whidbey General Hospital. Richard was born while the world was in the midst of the first World War. He was one of six children. Richard attended grade school in Fremont for two years and when he was six the family moved to Denver. After several years in Denver the family was again transferred to Burlington, Colo., where his father had taken over management of a ranch. A little over two years later his father was employed by a firm in Kansas and the family moved to George, Kan.
After several years in Kansas the family returned to Denver where Richard attended and graduated from Emily Griffith Opportunity School. During the summer months, while still attending school, he worked full time and spent several summers in the Civilian Conservation Corps at South Fork and Colorado Springs, Colo. The work in the CCC was in connection with the U.S. Forestry Department and included topographical mapping and surveying. He served as editor of camp papers and handled payroll. This was the beginning of a lifetime of service to his country.
On Jan. 8,1937, Richard enlisted in the United States Navy and was sent to San Diego for training. He was then assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Lexington. He served during this enlistment as a Radioman third class and was attached to an air squadron on the USS Lexington where he was trained in Naval aircraft radio. While in the Navy Richard was blown off the carrier into the ocean and he received an honorable discharge from the United States Navy on Dec. 23, 1938.
He returned to Denver where he worked with the Department of Geological Survey and later with Winner Equipment Company of Denver and was made editor of Deco Trefoil. He enjoyed working with engineers and mining men in the field and presented in print the human as well as the technical side of the mining industry.
Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 1,1942. He graduated Oct. 2, 1944, as an aviation cadet receiving an honorable discharge from the Army on Oct. 1, 1944. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force. His B-17 Bomber The Flying Fortress was shot down over northern Italy April 8, 1945, and he was injured and became a POW in Germany. He was liberated on May 8,1945. He was a member of the 483rd Bombardment Group H and the 817 Bombardment Squadron. He retired Jan. 3, 1979 as a major. Richard was awarded two Purple Hearts, the Air Medal and the Silver Cross during his military career. He was a life member of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States.
Richard was married May 22, 1942 to Besse Florinda Feist in Denver. They had one daughter, Diane May, born Feb. 19,1946. He was divorced in 1971 and Richard was briefly remarried in 1980 to Donna Lee Hammons.
In addition to the training received in the various Armed Services, Richard received a BA degree at the University of Colorado in physics with minors in chemistry and mathematics in June 1950. Following his service in the military Richard worked for Minneapolis Honeywell, General Dynamics in California, NASA through contract and finally at Boeing. While employed with Boeing he lectured at the University of Washington College of Engineering for six years on system safety engineering. Richard retired from Boeing on Jan. 1, 1981.
Richard moved to Whidbey Island in 1986. He began his photography business known as R.K. Hood & Associates (specializing in wildlife and nature) and remained active in his retirement years. He volunteered at Coupeville High School with World War II history. He was treasurer of Coupeville Garden Club, member of a bowling league (score of 280 on record), and was best known for his strong individualism and character. His 1978 yellow Jeep was legend in Coupeville. In his last years Richard said “I thank God every day for allowing me to live in my beautiful home amongst the trees, deer and birds.” A grateful nation, family, friends and neighbors bid farewell to this gentle warrior and patriot. He will be greatly missed.
Richard is survived by his daughter Diane Buck; one brother, Cloid Hood of San Francisco; nieces: Donna Liese of Sheridan, Mont., Doris Hilliker also of Sheridan, Debi Medlock of Englewood, Colo., Shelley Baldwin of Castle Rock, Colo.; nephews: Craig Hood of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Brian Nipper of N.C., as well as several other nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
At Richard’s request, no funeral services were held. Cremation was under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor. Donations to your favorite charities may be made in his memory. The obituary is on-line at http://burley.plan4ever.com.
