Richard "DICK" Elton Tuininga

TUININGA, Richard E. “Dick” - (age 91) Born on July 4th, 1919 in Worley, ID, Dick passed away in Spokane on Sept. 14, 2010, at Regency @ Northpointe, with his wife, Goldie, at his side. A North Central High School graduate, Dick had a full life. He served in the Army during WW II as a Top Gunner on a B-17. Following the war, he worked as a fireman in Downtown Spokane, as a Brakeman for the Great Northern Railroad and eventually retired from the City of Spokane Water Department. Dick was a proud member of Spokane Masonic Lodge #34, Scottish Rite Bodies, and El Katif Shriners. He was an active member of the El Katif Arab Patrol, Spokane Valley Shrine Club, a life member of the South Spokane Shrine Club, and a charter member and Past Commander (1990) of the El Katif Legion of Honor. He served as Shrine Football Chairman in 1988. He loved traveling, golfing, bowling, and riding snowmobiles and his motorcycle. Dick loved his wife, Goldie, and would greet her with a kiss each morning. He loved his home and always took care of the apartment house they owned. He did all the maintenance until his health failed in recent years. He loved family and never forgot to tell them so when they readied to leave after a visit. Dick is survived by his wife of 34 years, Goldie, at their home; step-son, Wayne (DeEtte) Thomas of American Falls, ID; sister-in-law, Nell Hamilton; brother-in-law, Cecil Fitzwater; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family, including JoLynn, Julie, Darla, Darlene (Babe), Shaine, Angie, Jason, and Josh. Dick’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Regency @ Northpointe, especially Tara Corter, Jennifer Lawrence, and Stacy Wellhousen. Also, special thanks to Hospice of Spokane for all their kindness and care. Visitation for all will be today, Thursday between noon and 8 p.m. and also on Friday, between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. at Riplinger Funeral Home. Funeral service with veteran honors will be conducted on Saturday, September 18th, 2010, at 2:00 PM at the CHAPEL OF FLOWERS, RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME, 4305 N Division, Spokane, WA. Interment will follow at Fairmount Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Shriners Hospital for Children or to Hospice of Spokane. “Dick, we will all miss you so much. We love you.”