Richard William “Capt. Rick” Claus, 54 died peacefully, Jan. 15, 2003, at Whidbey General Hospital, Coupeville, in the arms of his wife, Joyce Claus. He was born Sept. 25, 1949, in Ripon, Wis., to Leonard H. and Marie J. (Kirchhoff) Claus.

Rick attended St. Martin’s Parochial School and graduated from Franklin High School in Franklin, Wis. After graduation, Rick was very proud to have the honor of serving his country for the next 24 years as an aviation specialist, following his father’s footsteps who served in the European Theater during World War II in 509 P.I.R. HQ. Co. Rick retired June 30, 1993, as an master chief petty officer.

Rick attended Skagit Valley College and obtained two associate of arts degrees in marine technology, achieving both his mechanical and riggers certification. He was a sport fisherman and also received his Coast Guard charter captain’s rating, allowing him to operate Captain Rick’s Charter Liberty Call Voyages in Coupeville and Oak Harbor.

Rick was an active community volunteer and enjoyed boating, fishing and swapping fish stories with his buddies. Most of all he loved his family and especially his grandchildren. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Rick is survived his wife Joyce at the family home, Coupeville; by six children and their spouses: Erica and Rob Steiner; Rebecca and Ken Bell and Jennifer Claus; Michelle and Heath Anderson; Melissa and Scott Goldman and Michael and Sheila Tullar II, all of Oak Harbor. His mother Marie Claus of Franklin, Wis., and seven grandchildren also survive.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, at the Coupeville Recreation Center from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. to honor the life of Richard W. Claus. Dress code will be Hawaiian.

Cremation was held and a military ceremony will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.