Richard Joseph Raport

Richard “Dick” Raport was born on January 12, 1930, in Los Angeles, California. His parents were Anthony Joseph Raport (born Abraham Joseph Rapoport) and Louise Raport (maiden name Maria Luisa Chavez). He was the third child and had an older brother, Edward, and two sisters, Frieda, and Naomi.

His father, Anthony Raport, established Action Produce, and was a wholesaler of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from the bustling LA Farmers Market that served restaurant clients throughout the Los Angeles area. As a child, Richard helped in the family business by selling fresh produce around his neighborhood, and towing crates of goods to sell to neighbors. He later took over the business, after his father’s passing.

After graduating from high school, Richard attended LIFE Bible College in LA. He then joined the Marine Corps and completed boot camp at Camp Pendleton, CA, but made the decision to return to school and was honorably discharged.

Soon after, Richard attended a church camp that changed his life forever when he met Arlene Joyce Hicks, who soon became his beloved wife until her passing at 73 years old in 2007.

Richard and Joyce had four children, Sharon, Donna, Ron, and Rhonda. They lived in a home Richard built in Gardena, CA, until 1972.

In the early sixties, Richard was running Action Produce and earning a degree in Social Science and Psychology from Pepperdine College. He then opened Surf & Sirloin Restaurant in Hermosa Beach, CA, complete with surfboards on the walls and delicious burgers.

However, Richard’s passion for kids and teaching led him to begin working as a schoolteacher at Lockhaven Christian School in Inglewood, CA. Soon he was planning his life’s biggest endeavor – opening Southern California Christian High School in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. It opened in 1966 in Hawthorn, CA and later merged with Ambassador Christian School in nearby Downy, CA. Sharon and Donna both graduated from the school he started. The fruit of his endeavor was evidenced when, decades later, he was honored by many of the former students who cherished their time at his school and the impact it had on their lives. In 1972, the family moved to Costa Mesa, CA where he taught at Calvary Chapel School. In 1976, the family headed north to Washington state when Richard was hired as a principal at Mountlake Christian High School.

Throughout his life, his heart for Christian education was expressed each time he served as a Sunday school teacher, which began at age 15; his passion for learning and his love for students never faded. During his life, to supplement his income, his natural talents in sales were employed for various companies. Richard was active in the local Republican party which culminated in serving as a delegate at the 1988 and 1992 Republican National Presidential Conventions, some of his proudest moments.

Starting in 1995, Richard and Joyce enjoyed living in the third home they built for their retirement, on Camano Island, WA. While there they spent time growing prize-winning vegetables, staying devoted in church and politics, and enjoying their children and grandchildren.

In 2008, Richard reconnected with a family friend, Carolyn Curtis, and with joy, they married and began a new life together. Over the last 15 years, they shared the love of their families, discussed common interests of growing up in LA, participated in the local Republican party, and most of all, grew in love for and served their Lord Jesus. Their love continued to grow as time passed. Carolyn showed tremendous love and dedication to Richard, which was evident as his health deteriorated over recent years.

Richard leaves behind his four children, Sharon, Donna, Ron, and Rhonda, grandchildren, Alexis, Lucas, John, Ashley, Jana, Ben, and Levi, and many great grandchildren.

He also leaves behind his wife Carolyn and his stepchildren, Gary, Shauna, Kandis, Sarah, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, November 11, 2023, at New Life Church in Everett, WA.