Richard Coone
Published January 27, 2008
Richard Dorr “Dick” Coone died on Jan. 29 at his home in Brinnon, Wash. He was 87.
He was born on Jan. 27, 1922, to Charles and Ruth (Dorr) Coone in Seattle, the third of five siblings. During high school, he joined the National Guard; his unit was mobilized in 1940, interrupting his senior year.
One of Dick’s most cherished memories was leading the procession of the Garfield High School graduating class of 2006 at Qwest Field in Seattle to receive his long-delayed diploma. This was made possible through Jim Watson, a dear friend and former teacher at Garfield High.
After serving with the National Guard during World War II, Dick returned to Seattle and worked for 35 years as a pressman for The Seattle Times.
On Aug. 15, 1947, he married Uerla Greer Forde in Seattle.
Dick devoted his life and energy to Little League baseball for more than 40 years, first on Bainbridge Island and then in Brinnon, where he and Uerla moved after he retired from the Times.
His hobby after retirement, during baseball’s off-season, was collecting and working on old cars.
While living in Brinnon, he enjoyed 15 years as a volunteer firefighter. He was also a member of the Brinnon Booster Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Brinnon Senior Organization.
He served as trustee on the nutrition program, delivered Meals on Wheels, and drove other seniors to appointments and shopping.
Dick had a love for people and showed his care for them.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Coone, and sisters Margaret Ann Hull and June Holton.
He is survived by his wife, Uerla, of Brinnon; sons Earl Bradley Coone of Poulsbo and Ronald Aaron Coone of Brinnon; daughters Mona Lee Coch of Bonney Lake and Karen Irene French of Brinnon; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sister Mary Jane Ream of Bainbridge Island; and brother-in-law William Hull of El Paso, Texas.
Services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 21 at Brinnon Community Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Brinnon Little League, c/o Brinnon Community Center, 306144 Highway 101, Brinnon, WA 98320.