Richard Gail Hess was a beloved husband, son, brother, father, uncle and friend who was tragically killed in a single car accident outside of Cle Elum, WA on February 8, 2010. His family and friends are truly saddened by this unexpected loss. Rick was born in Inglewood, CA February 5, 1947 and grew up in Salt Lake City with his parents Fern and Bill Hess and his five siblings. Rick was a gifted artist, humorist and athlete. After graduating from Hillcrest High School he served as a U.S. Marine Corp reservist for six years. During that time he moved to the Seattle area and attended the University of Washington where he earned a BFA in Graphic Design in 1978. He went on to work at Evergreen State College, the Seattle Art Museum and for several prestigious design firms in Seattle eventually owning his own design firm. He earned numerous regional, national, and international design awards. He met his wife Anne, who was also in the graphic design industry, and they were married in Seattle in 1987. Rick was a very creative, highly social and multi-talented person who eventually moved into graphic sales at GM Nameplate. During this time he developed a passion for wine-making and went back to school at Washington State University and earned his certificate in oenology and viticulture in 2006. That same year he and his family moved from Bothel to Chelan where they had spent much time enjoying year round outdoor activities. Chelan was the perfect small town environment to raise Sean and to pursue his new career in the wine industry. He worked at Chateau Faire le Pont as an assistant wine maker and then moved to Tsillan Cellars in 2009 to go into wine sales and distribution. Rick loved his work at the winery. He loved talking to people about wine and his co-workers quickly became like family. Rick had an infectious laugh, quick wit and love of people. He loved the Chelan Valley and had recently built a home at Bear Mountain Ranch. He was a dedicated dad, husband, son, brother, uncle and friend to many. He leaves behind his wife Anne, son Sean, daughter Sarah Jaquet, son-in-law Charlie Jaquet, mom and dad, Fern and Bill Hess, three sisters: Becky Boyack of Tucson, AZ, Jodi Ellsworth and Julie Thomson of the Salt Lake area and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. We will miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, David Anthony Kent, his sister Laurie Hess and his brother Chip Hess. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Monday, Feb. 15th at St. Francis Catholic Church, Chelan.

Published 21 February 2010 in The Salt Lake Tribune (UT)