Dick began school in Britton, SD but in 1942 his family moved to Salem, OR which is where he graduated from North Salem High School in 1952. He immediately entered Oregon State University with a major in Forestry. In 1953 Dick joined the US Navy Reserve and moved to Redlands, CA, he began attending San Bernardino Valley College where he graduated with an AA in Geography. In 1957 Dick was accepted into the US Navy just one day before his draft reporting day. He was assigned to the USS Yorktown for two years. After graduation he began working for the U.S. Government Department of Defense. In 1961 he graduated with a BA in Geography from Long Beach State. In 1968 he was accepted as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve. During his time in the service, he traveled overseas extensively. In 1978 Dick earned his MA from Chapman College. In 1994 he retired from the U.S. Army Reserves as Lt. Col and also from the U.S. Department of Defense. Dick also enjoyed many leisure travel adventures throughout the world and his employment took him to overseas work locations in Okinawa, Italy, Great Britain and Germany.

Dick was a devoted member of Prescott United Methodist Church, lifelong member of the Boy Scouts of America and received the honor of the Silver Beaver award. He also received the Distinguished Toastmaster Award which is the highest honor in Toast Masters International. Dick was an avid lifelong runner beginning in high school; even after retirement he volunteered to coach track and also competed in the Senior Olympics and won hundreds of medals. Dick was a teacher of various college courses always keeping busy. His large heart also saw him to becoming a Big Brother in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Organization. Dick had often referred to himself as "Mr. Lucky". He was always jovial and would do anything to help someone in need.

Dick is survived by two loving daughters along with one granddaughter, his first and second wives, 3 step-children, 4 step-grandchildren, 3 step-great-grandchildren, a brother and sister, an aunt, many cousins and his beloved Siamese cat Purrcilla. Dick is preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Elaine, brother Gary, and step-granddaughter Jessica Cooper. Donations may be made in Dick's name to either Alzheimer's Foundation or Maggie's Hospice in Prescott. He will be greatly missed.