Family and friends mourn the death of Dick Hess who died on October 20, 2019 of brain cancer (glioblastoma).
Dick was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He graduated in 1976 from Iowa State University with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He moved to Seattle that same year after being recruited by Boeing. After 11 years at Boeing, he accepted a position at Universal Avionics where he worked until his diagnosis. During his career, he was a Flight Tester, Wind Tunnel Tester, Data Analyst, and Systems Engineer Manager developing flight management navigation systems. Dick held a recreational pilot license. He built a VariEze plane and piloted it across the country while also enjoying flying it locally.
Dick was an avid bicyclist commuting to and from work. He was adventuresome. He loved hiking and traveling, visiting 17 countries. He was a Home Brewer bringing together friends and family for his Annual Brewfest to commemorate two friends who died of brain cancer. Dick taught himself to play the banjo and enjoyed serenading family and friends. He was a kind man which he demonstrated through his volunteer work for Tent City and as a member of the Knights of Columbus. Even while dealing with cancer, he maintained his sense of childlike wonder, playfulness and quick wit.
Dick is survived by his wife, Sheila, their daughter Heather, his daughter Holly from a previous marriage (Terri Dix), his mother Mary Lou, siblings Tom, Jim (Pascale), Pat (Karen), Peggy Saunders (Walter), along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Gene Hess.
A memorial mass will be held at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 1121 228th Ave SE, Sammamish, WA on November 20, 2019 at 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to EndBrainCancer.org