Richard Earle Moore

Richard Earle (Dick) Moore, 75, of Oak Harbor, passed away suddenly at his home on November 20, 2006. He was born in Ware, Mass. on July 9, 1931 to Arlon and Evelyn (Magrath) Moore. He spent his early years in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and graduated from Simsbury High School. Shortly after graduation, Dick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country during the Korean War.

Dick married Betty Jean Hamming on April 9, 1953. Their family moved to Lee, Mass., for two years, and then returned to Oak Harbor. Dick worked as a carpenter in Oak Harbor for 12 years, after which he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed at Diego Garcia; Rota, Spain; Port Hueneme, Calif.; Treasure Island, Calif.; and Pearl Harbor. Dick retired from military service in 1986.

After retirement, he worked at Washington Bulb and discovered a new passion…gardening. He received much joy sharing his tulips, daffodils, and garden produce with friends and family.

Dick enjoyed serving people and was eager to work at his volunteer position in the pharmacy at the NAS Whidbey hospital for six years. He has been an active member of the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church.

Dick is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty (Hamming) Moore, three children: Jeff and Kay Moore of Redmond, Marlene and Jeff Clark, Ramona, Calif., and Scott Moore of Oak Harbor; six grandchildren: Lisa, Megan, and Nathan Moore, and Ryan, Jessica, and Melinda Clark.

He also leaves a sister Lucille Johnson of Southwick, Mass., and brothers Paul and Eleanor Moore of Springfield, Mass., and Frank and Jeanne Moore of Alanson, Mass. His parents, his brother, Herbert, and his son Earl Moore preceded Dick in death.

Graveside services will be held at Fircrest Cemetery at 2:30 pm on Saturday Nov. 25, followed by a Memorial Service at 3:30 p.m. at Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Randy Beumer officiating. Military honors will follow under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. Visitation for family and friends will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon. A reception for family and friends will follow at the church fellowship hall. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.