RICHARD J. "RICK" SCHAUER ~ Class of 1976
May 24, 1958 - February 8, 2009



Richard J. "Rick" Schauer, beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, lost his courageous battle with lung cancer and left us to join our Lord on February 8th, 2009. Born in Bozeman, MT on May 24th, 1958, he was one of three children of Melvin & Betty Schauer.

After moving around the country as part of a military family when he was young, Rick's family moved to Richland, in eastern WA, when he was 9. Growing up in Richland allowed Rick to explore his love of the outdoors with hunting, fishing, and water skiing. He attended Columbia High School where he excelled at wrestling and football, going to State in both his senior year.

After high school, Rick attended Gonzaga and Central WA University before finishing his Industrial Design degree at Western WA University. During the summers of his undergraduate years, Rick fed his need for adventure and the great outdoors by spending time in Alaska working in canneries and on fishing boats as well as touring Europe for 3 months with his good friend Jeff. Rick later went to earn his Masters in Information Technology from Seattle Pacific University.

Rick began his career at Boeing Military, where he spent 15 years in Information Technology. He then moved to Alaska Airlines in 1999 and developed a love for the company and the valued the friendships he made with so many co-workers.

Those who knew Rick well know that he cherished his family above all else. It was what truly made him happy. It was during his time at Boeing that Rick met the love of his life, Michelle. They were married in April '87 and spent over 21 loving years together. Their daughter, and pride and joy, Danielle ("Dani") was born in July '94.

Rick was preceded in death by his father, Melvin.

He is survived by his wife Michelle, daughter Danielle Schauer, mother Betty Schauer, sister Lori (Dennis) McCord ('78), brother Gary (Lori) Schauer ('84), four nieces & nephews Ryan McCord ('99), Calli Cox ('02), Rachel Schauer and Matthew Schauer, mother-in-law Margaret Stevenson and father-in-law Mike Baith. His family and friends miss him very much.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 15th at 2:00 PM at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 1700 Edmonds Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to be made in the name of Rick Schauer to Cancer Care area of Valley Medical Center - Oncology Care unit. These can be done on-line.

Please share your thoughts and favorite memories about Rick on the http://www.carepages.com/ website (search for Rick Schauer).