Richard C. Meske PhD of Camano Island, WA passed away peacefully on August 21, 2023 at Skagit Valley Hospital, Mt Vernon, WA from heart failure with complications of Alzheimer disease. He was blessed with four children; Bruce, Kimberly, Debby and Michael and his wife of 46 years, Patricia Pontikis. He is also succeeded by his sisters Joyce and Marilyn (deceased) and sisters in law Christina and Alexis and numerous nieces and nephews, and grandchildren, Trisha and Danny. Dick touched many lives by his generous and loving spirit.

Dick was born April 10, 1935 in Port Hope, Michigan. In his own words, "I was born in a small farming town on the shore of Lake Huron, Michigan. It was a happy place to grow up. I was fascinated with woodworking early on watching my dad and uncles building things from fishing boats to toys. Shop class in high school was second only to baseball and basketball. I loved guitar music and bought my first guitar from a buddy for $5. A couple of years later when I was fourteen, I got my first store-bought guitar for Christmas. Later, after graduating from college and seminary, I got my first new guitar, a 1965 Martin D18, which I still have." Music was a major source of happiness for Dick.

A Master's of Divinity was obtained in 1959 from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, CA. He served as a Presbyterian Minister in Fenton, then Saginaw, Michigan for 19 years.

Dick married the love of his life, Patti in 1977. Dick and Patti then moved to Washington where he was on the staff at Harborview Mental Health Center from 1979 to 1998. He finished his PhD in Clinical Psychology in 1983 and completed the requirements to become a Geriatric Mental Health Specialist.

In 1998 Dick and Patti moved to beautiful Camano Island, WA where they felt blessed every day. Dick and Patti loved visiting with friends, kayaking, golfing, boating, crabbing, traveling as well as being involved in the vibrant art community of the island. He touched many lives and his Spirit and Soul will never die. It will live on in all of the people who love him.

Services will be September 30, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Camano Lutheran Church, Camano Island, WA.

Donations will be accepted by Camano Lutheran Church or to Alzheimer Research.