Richard Linn Post

Richard (Dick) Linn Post; January 24, 1924 – October 19, 2014

Richard Linn Post of Arlington, Washington passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, Sunday, October 19, 2014 in Everett, Washington at the age of 90.

Dick was born to Gerald and Celia Post on January 24, 1924 in Everett, Washington. Always an excellent student, he graduated valedictorian from Everett High School in 1942. Upon graduating, Washington Senator Henry M. Jackson awarded Dick an appointment to the US Naval Academy. Due to his poor eyesight, he was unable to pass the entrance physical so instead enrolled at Washington State University. While there, Dick attended a recruitment event where enlistments were being processed by a student from the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine. After memorizing the eye chart while awaiting his turn, Dick passed by removing his glasses and reciting from memory the correct letters, resulting in his being enlisted into the US Army. Arriving at Boot Camp he was again told he was not fit for service, to which he replied, “This paper says I’m in the United States Army. Find me a way to serve my country.”

The Army had him attend non-commissioned officer training at Fordham University in New York, after which he served the remainder of his time as an artillery instructor at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. Thus began his lifelong devotion to the field of Education. Dick graduated from the University of Washington in 1949 with a degree in Mathematics and received his first public teaching certificate from its School of Education in 1950. He spent his entire teaching career in Washington: first teaching Math and English in Wapato, next as Vice-Principal of Hopkins Junior High in Aberdeen, then as Principal of Marcus Whitman Junior High in Port Orchard, and finally as School District Superintendent in Arlington, from which he retired in 1985. From 1976 to 1994, he was also a Guest Lecturer and Adjunct Professor in the Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University, teaching night courses required for advancement into school administration. Dick always said, “I entered education to influence change and there is no better way than by sharing my lessons with those pursuing their certifications.” Countless Washington education leaders are graduates of his courses and pass on his lessons through their roles across the state.

Of all the communities to which he had ties, none was stronger than to the community of Arlington. Living there from 1971 to 2014, Dick made his most significant contributions. When he was hired by the Arlington School Board in 1971 the District was in bad shape. In the two years prior, Arlington had failed to pass a much-needed school levy and the entire school board had resigned. For the new board, hiring Dick was the best decision they could have made. During his leadership the school system was transformed. He oversaw the passing of 15 school levies and 5 bond issues. These funds were used for the additions of a library, gymnasium, and classrooms at the high school; the building of the Richard L. Post Middle School (so-named by the School Board after his retirement); and the hiring of teachers and other necessities for a great educational environment.

In addition to his direct stewardship of the school district, he made significant contributions to the community at large. He tirelessly volunteered his time shaping local, state and federal campaigns; was an active member of the Arlington Rotary(42 years); remained a Lifetime member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce; donated his time and money raising funds for local charities; and helped write and review grants that resulted in additional educational resources and the building of affordable senior housing. Dick never said no to a worthy cause. Several years ago, he was asked by Rotary if they could rename their annual golf tournament the Richard L. Post Pre-Memorial Golf Tournament. With a laugh and a smile he said, “Yes.” In his final year, he remained active in the Arlington Rotary Club, selling tickets for the annual 4th of July Duck Dash and serving on the boards of the NW Educational Service District 189, the Stillaguamish Senior Citizens Center and the Arlington Education Foundation.

Dick received many honors throughout his career, including first President of the Washington Education Association Aberdeen Affiliate, Washington State School Superintendent of the Year, Adjunct Professor Recognition at Western Washington University, The Rotarian Paul P. Harris Fellowship Award (twice), Community Lifetime Achievement Award and the naming of the school built under his superintendence as the Richard L. Post Middle School.

While attending the University of Washington, Dick met and married Dorothy Delores Beers, from Saint Louis, Missouri. They had three children and were married 52 years until her death in 2002. Dick is survived by his daughter Susan (Don) of Bellevue, WA, his two sons Richard (Beth) of Belfair, WA, and Timothy (Samantha) of Arlington, WA; 7 granddaughters – Brenna, Lindsay (Andy), Danielle (Sam), Allison, Natalie, Erica, and Madison; two great grandchildren – Hannah and Keith; one brother Gerald (Jan) of Auburn, WA; and many other loving relatives.

There will be a celebration of Dick’s life at the Richard L. Post Middle School, 1220 E. 5th St., Arlington, WA 98223 on November 6, 2014 beginning at 4PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Arlington Education Foundation – 135 S. French Ave-Box A, Arlington WA 98223 – or the Arlington Cocoon House C/O Cocoon House Administration Offices – 2929 Pine Street, Everett, WA 98201.

Arrangements under the direction of Weller Funeral Home, Arlington, WA.