Richard L. “Rick” Carroll passed away Jan. 18, 2010, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Rick was born in Fresno, Calif., on Nov. 23, 1953, to Joe W. and Ruth E. Johnson Carroll. He attended schools in the Fresno area until 1968 when his family relocated to Whidbey Island. He was a 1972 graduate of Oak Harbor High School.

Rick served in the Navy from 1973 until 1977. He then began his Civil Service career with the NAS Whidbey Fire Department. He moved on to the Supply Department and eventually to the Personal Property Office. He retired in January 2009 after more than 32 years of service.

In 1991 Rick met Dawn Ferrara and they were married in Reno, Nev., on Aug. 4, 1992. This began a loving and joyous journey that was cut short far too soon.

Rick was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Weekends would find him at the barbecue grill or in the kitchen concocting some of his favorite dishes. He loved working in his garden and puttering around the house. He was an avid NASCAR fan and looked forward to the beginning of the season every year. He was a kind and generous man always willing to help his friends and acquaintances in any way possible. His passing leaves a tremendous void but he will live forever in our hearts.

Rick leaves behind his wife Dawn at the family home in Oak Harbor; daughter Kadie and her husband Joshua Haggan of Oak Harbor; and son Brian and wife Jiwon, grandson Darwin and granddaughter, Ramona all of South Korea. He is also survived by his stepfather Roy McAlister of Oak Harbor, sister Carol Keeler of North Carolina, nephew Michael Keeler and niece Mia Keeler of North Carolina, mother-in- law, Geri Ferrara of Seneca Falls, N.Y., brothers-in-law David (Linda) Ferrara of Seneca Falls, Neil (Patricia) Ferrara of Seneca Falls, sisters-in-law Linda Ferrara of Waterloo, N.Y., and Bonnie (Ronald) Burlew of Canoga, N.Y., and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Joe in 1966, sister Sheryl in 1974 and mother Ruth in 2005.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held Saturday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m. at VFW Post 7392, Goldie Rd., Oak Harbor. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Burley Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.