1962-2022
Richard Buchheim departed this world on March 23, 2022 following an extended illness. His life ended at the same place he was born, Overlake Hospital. A kind, gentle and loving soul, he was the youngest of five children of Betty and Aaron Buchheim. He was a lifelong resident of Kirkland’s Rose Hill neighborhood, graduating from Lake Washington High School in 1981.
As a youngster, Richard developed a fondness for animals, raising both rabbits and chickens, and usually had a dog and cat as well. He also enjoyed nature and the outdoors, developing an interest in camping, gardening, landscaping and spending time at the beach with his eldest niece. Artistic and creative, he liked working with his hands and also had a quick wit. As an adult, he was well known for hosting garage sales and always liked finding a good bargain for himself. He also loved cooking and preparing meals to share with friends and family.
He began a career in food service with VIP’s Restaurant and later managed the Bear Creek Deli. He also trained in and worked as an upholsterer. Following a professional hiatus to care for his disabled mother during her final years, he began a new career in retail, eventually retiring from Bartell Drugs.
He met his life partner in 1999 and together they enjoyed theater, hosting gatherings for friends and family and a “Brady Bunch” of dogs and cats. When it became legal to do so, they were married in 2013. They also enjoyed travels together to Hawaii, the east coast, the midwest and California, although in later years most of their trips were to the hospital.
Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his husband, R. J. Vanik, sister Barbara Schlewitz (Dan), brothers Bill Buchheim (Brian Weal), Tim Buchheim (Rita), David Buchheim (Fumiko) as well as nieces Kirsten Schlewitz, Heather Lutz (Tom), Beth Buchheim, and nephew Jake Buchheim.
The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, aides, therapists, technicians, social workers, home-health and other providers who participated in his care, especially those affiliated with Overlake Hospital and Northwest Kidney Center.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 10021 NE 124th Street, Kirkland WA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, Northwest Kidney Center, Overlake Hospital Foundation, or your favorite charity.