Richard (Dick) was born in a suburb of Kansas City, Kansas. The only child of Clarence and Mary Cash. When he was six years old, the family moved to Bremerton, WA. and lived there a year or two, and then moved to Yakima. Dick attended school in Yakima and graduated from Yakima High – class of 1952. He attended YVC for a short time, then into the U.S. Army in 1953. He was sent to Fort Bragg, North Carolina and into the 82nd Airborne Division. Honorable Discharge in December 1955. He purchased a 1954 Ford and drove back to Yakima to be home for Christmas.
In the fall of 1956, he entered CWU- graduated in 1960 with a degree in education- started teaching 6th grade at Ahtanum grade school and coached 7th & 8th grade sports. In 1961 returned to CWU to get his Masters Degree. While attending CWU he learned to play the guitar, which he loved to do and signing mostly folk songs of the 60s for anyone who wanted to listen. In 1964, he accepted the Principal position at Pe Ell, WA. Elementary School. In 1965, he was awarded a scholarship in math at Rosary Hill College in Buffalo, New York. Then back to Wapato High as Asst. Principal for two years. In 1967, he left teaching and became self-employed. In the years, since he has had several different ventures, which he always approached with great enthusiasm, sense of humor, compassion and a willing to help others.
Over the years, we have had many “Adventures”. Mostly good, a few not so good but always interesting. Dick was a member of the Yakama Warriors and, when he could still walk, participated in many of their activities around Yakima and the state. Among his many interest, he loved traveling, football (Go Hawks!), hunting, fishing, chess, BBQ and chocolate.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Mary Cash, son Rich Cash, mother and father in law Evelyn and Aaron O’Dell, sisters in law, Mavis Elder, Wilma O’Dell and Beverly Zeigler, nephew Timothy Herrera.
Dick is survived by his loving wife Vonda Cash, son Brian (Gabriela) Cash, granddaughters Nicole, Nataleigh and Ixchel Cash, terry and John Herrera, Tami LeBlonde and many Cash relatives across the USA.
Dick was truly one of the “Good Guys” and will be missed more than words can say.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU! To the VA Home Base Primary Care, Tiger Eye Nurses for their support, compassion and care over the years. We would also like to thank the ICU nurses at Memorial Hospital and First Responders who were all so very gentle and caring while transporting him to and from the Hospital.
God bless you ALL!
-Do no stand at my grave-
Do no stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.
-God looked around his garden-
God looked around his garden and he found an empty place.
He then looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful.
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew you were in pain,
He also knew in Heaven you would never hurt again.
He saw the road was getting rough and the hill harder to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace Be Thine.”
It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go alone.
For part of me went with you the day he called you home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Cash family.
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