Richard James McAbee

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rick McAbee, a husband, father, and friend, who departed this world on February 2, 2023, at the age of 62. His departure has left a void in our lives, but his memory will live on through all that knew him.

Born on June 26, 1960, Rick was the eldest son of John Herbert (Herb) and Susan (Sue) McAbee. From a young age, he exhibited a determined and unwavering desire for love and success. He worked hard to be a valuable member of F.R. McAbee, while also working to make a name for himself. At the age of 5, in October of 1965, Richard was diagnosed with Diabetes, a chronic disease that affects many people in the McAbee family. His journey in life was marked by passion and perseverance.

Richard attended Shoreline Community College after high school to complete his A.A and then transferred to Seattle Pacific University where he received a B.A. in Business Administration in 1982. As technology began to change the way social and business circles operated, Richard took evening computer classes at Shoreline Community College to stay on top of the advances.

Richard’s lifelong love story began when he met his love, Michelle, in the seventies – their first date was July 10, 1976. Their bond quickly blossomed into a beautiful relationship and they married on May 19, 1984. For over four decades, they shared a deep partnership filled with devotion, laughter, cherished memories, and unconditional love through their sickness and health.

Richard and Michelle welcomed their first child, Alexander, to the world on September 4, 1996, and their second, Daniel, on June 24, 1998. As a father, Richard worked hard to provide for his family and be an example of strength and guidance to his two sons. As all parents hope for their children, Rick wanted his sons to have more opportunities than he did, and to become greater men than he was. His love for his sons was immeasurable, and he took great pride in watching them grow into the remarkable men they are today.

Professionally, Richard worked for the F.R. McAbee Company in various capacities. While studying finance and earning his B.A. in Business Administration he worked as a bookkeeper for the family company. Upon graduating, he maintained a role in bookkeeping and supervisory aspects while also working full time as the head of maintenance, and eventually took over as the company’s permit specialist. In 1986, Richard entered a business partnership with a close friend to develop the Diabetes Technology Center, a business that distributed medical supplies needed by those with diabetes. Due to a number of factors, Rick sold his interests to his business partner in 1987, but supporting the diabetic community is a cause that has always been important to Rick. From 1986-1990, Rick served as the Vice President at Robert H. Williams Diabetes Research Council. Rick also served as president of the Ballard District Council from 1989-1990, and as president of the Crown Hill Chamber of Commerce from 1989-1991.

Outside of work, Richard had a deep passion for cars, music, and travel – his interests were documented in his home by a guitar and amp set up, pictures of classic cars, and a ‘80s rock playlist that was often playing in the background when Rick was home. Prior to having kids, Rick and Michelle traveled many places, some favorites destinations were Orlando, the Bahamas, and Hawaii. When Alexander and Daniel joined the family the four of them often took trips to California, Hawaii, Mexico, and more. The pictures and memories of those family trips will be cherished for years to come.

Alongside all of the good in Richard’s life, he struggled for many years with physical illnesses. Due to the extent of his diabetes, in 2003 Rick received a life-saving kidney transplant. He made a full recovery and lived life to the fullest until a diabetes related infection led to a partial leg amputation in 2008. Shortly after receiving his prosthesis, he suffered a fall and traumatic brain injury. With the help of his family, and medical professionals, Rick did his best to remain positive and take advantage of the life he was given. Despite the fact that he was no longer able to work at his former capacity, he participated in F.R. McAbee as a board member. His loving wife devoted her time and energy to her work, their sons, and care taking for Rick when necessary. As Alexander and Daniel went off to college and moved out of the family home, Michelle took on a more serious caretaker role for Rick. His quality and length of life is largely due to the unconditional love that his sweetheart Michelle provided him.

Richard James McAbee joins his grandparents, F.R. “Dick” McAbee (1999) and Julia McAbee (2002), as well as his youngest sibling Dean McAbee (1993) in heaven.

He is survived, on earth, by many friends and family – amongst them are his loving parents Herb and Sue McAbee, his younger sister Julie and her husband Matt Dexter, wife Michelle McAbee, son Alexander and his wife Hailey, son Daniel and his fiancée Alana.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his honor to the University of Washington Medicine’s Diabetes Institute. You can donate online at https://give.uwmedicine.org/dif or send a check payable to “UW Foundation” with “UW Diabetes Institute Fund” in the memo to:

UW Medicine Advancement, Box 358045,

Seattle, WA 98195-8045

Rest in peace, Rick. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the McAbee family.