Richard Jeffrey Lauth

November 8, 1958 – October 14, 2024

Richard “Rick” Lauth, 65, was born and lived his life in Bremerton Washington. His legacy is one of pure love and selflessness which had a profound effect on everyone who knew him. An intelligent and kind man, he was cherished for his thoughtful, empathetic, brave, and joyful outlook on life.

Rick was the only son born to Richard “Dick” Lauth and Josephine (Sitko) Lauth, who also had three daughters. He was born with congenital cataracts and needed five eye surgeries before the age of five. Sadly, the surgeries compromised his sight even more.

He was diagnosed as legally blind and autistic but was treated at the University of Washington's Autism Center at a young age, which was credited with bringing him out of what could have been severe autism.

While Rick was dealt a difficult hand from birth, he made up for it in spades with his cheerful, outgoing personality and limitless positive attitude. His life was never easy but he never let it get him down.

He attended Haddon Elementary, Marion Elementary, Star of the Sea, the Kitsap Adventist Christian School, and graduated from high school at the Auburn Adventist Academy in Auburn WA. Rick worked for his room, board and tuition at the Auburn Academy by assisting on the grounds and in the kitchen when he wasn’t studying. He was a member of the select Auburn Choir which traveled and competed in concerts around the state. His perfect pitch and baritone singing voice was a great asset to the choir and in addition, he was a self-taught pianist with a huge repertoire of songs for any occasion.

After high school Rick lived on his own for a few years, and eventually moved back home with his mom, Jo Lauth, and the two of them looked after each other. He also served as a volunteer in many capacities including at St. Vincent de Paul and the Puget Sound Senior Center where he spent several years playing music, singing, leading daily games and activities, and doing chores around the place. He was much loved by all the seniors and staff.

Rick was a devout Catholic and a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea parish. He celebrated mass every Sunday and on all the holidays. One of his highlights every year was carrying a 6-foot cross during “Crosswalk”, a non-denominational celebration on Good Friday co-sponsored by St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Port Orchard. Rick’s quiet faith in God was rock solid and a symbol of how he lived his daily life. He valued love, friendship, kindness and faith in God above all else.

In 2000 Rick was honored as an “Unsung Hero” by the Bremerton Sun for his work with seniors and also for the many years he participated in the Kitsap County Memory Walk, as well as in the charity walk for Hospice of Kitsap County. He was also proud to be an avid blood donor, giving gallons every year. If there is one thing Rick truly loved, it was helping other people.

He was an active and social guy and loved bowling, bingo, dice and playing just about any kind of game including frisbee and miniature golf. He played on bowling leagues at Westpark and All Star Lanes, and spent many years with his dear friends and teammates Mike and Shannon Hamblet, Fred Stites, and Patricia Tomlinson Mount. Rick’s love and detailed knowledge of “all things weather” led to him becoming well known and loved as “Mr. Weatherman”. He was a loyal fan of the Seahawks and Mariners and was always up to date on the players and statistics. And in his younger years he enjoyed fishing and playing regular golf with his dad, Dick Lauth, with whom he spent the winter months in San Diego.

Later in life, after Rick was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, carcinoid cancer and diabetes, he needed constant nursing care and went to live at Belmont Terrace in Bremerton. What might have been sad for some was a true joy for Rick, as he now had a large circle of best friends, unlimited weekly activities, games of Bingo, and an opportunity to play the piano and entertain. He truly thrived at his new home.

Despite his many serious medical challenges, Rick spent every waking minute enjoying life with his friends and family. If he was ever sad or in pain, he didn’t show it, and never did he speak a mean or hurtful word. One of his favorite activities was providing musical accompaniment to Chaplain Bob Miles as others gathered around. As the chaplain sang or preached or played the guitar, Rick would joyfully accompany him on the piano.

Rick was assisted in recent years by his caregivers, Debbie Farrell, Dwight Avery and Linda Boogerd who cared for him like a member of their own families. We also send our deep gratitude to all of his wonderful caregivers and nurses at Belmont Terrace and the entire community there who truly were a part of his family.

Rick gained his angel wings early in life, and now he can finally see all the beautiful colors and sights around him and the faces of his loving friends and family. He is survived by his three adoring sisters Laura (Tom) Hampton, Cheryl Lauth, and Nancy (Christian) Bremeau, as well as nephews Michael Sabol, Nicolas Bremeau, and niece Melissa McDonald. He is also survived by one great-niece and three great nephews: Elena and Ean Rodriquez, and Benjamin and Andrew Sabol. Rick is also survived by cousins Patty Haver and Joseph, Kathy, and Don Sitko.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 11am with a reception to follow downstairs in the Reception Hall. A Rosary will be held at 10:30am prior to the mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity, in Rick’s name, as a tribute to the way he selflessly gave everything he had to make others happy.