Rick Fulgham, age 59, passed away Sept. 17, 2015, after a long illness, with his son Austin by his side.

Rick was born and raised in New York. He also attended school in South Carolina. After high school, Rick joined the Navy as an intelligence specialist. He served onboard several ships and also at a secure facility in the Philippines.

After Rick was discharged from the Navy, he settled in beautiful San Diego where he attended college and worked to make his way. He made many lifelong friends there including the Navy woman, Julie, whom he would marry and have his only child with in 1985.

From 1985 to 1995, Rick travelled the world with Julie and their son Austin as a Navy spouse. He supported Julie in her long military career. Some of Rick’s favorite memories were spent during their time stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. During this time, he worked for a large entertainment company called Nite Life as a DJ and entertainment coordinator for all the military installations throughout Japan. Rick also was the sports editor for the Yokosuka Naval Base newspaper.

In 1991, the Fulghams received orders to Whidbey Island Naval Station in Oak Harbor. Rick gave up the travel life and started his own lawn care business. He later took a position with New Leaf as a foreman over the landscape crew responsible for the base. During this time, Rick also earned his credentials as a Master Gardener through a college program.

Rick loved basketball and he coached his son Austin on the Oak Harbor High School varsity team. He also was active in judo training and tournaments with Austin.

In 2003, Austin went off to the University of Washington and Rick decided he wanted to go off on his own back to San Diego. He worked for Nite Life again before deciding beautiful Whidbey Island was really where his heart was, and he was living there at the time of his death.

Rick is survived by his son, Austin, daughter-in-law, Talia, and grandchildren, Amari and Asher; a brother, Maury Fulgham; and his best friends, Hutch and Louise Hutchison. He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Johnson Fulgham and Morris Fulgham and two brothers, Martenio and Morris, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25 at the Oak Harbor Church of Christ.