January 18, 1920 - April 05, 2017
Richard S. Thwaites Obituary (Age 97) Richard (known by his friends and family as Dick) was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on January 18, 1920. His parents, Laura and Walter Thwaites moved to Spokane in 1924. He was an Eagle Scout in Troop 1, Spokanes first Boy Scout Troop. Dick graduated from North Central High School in 1939. Before graduating he met a girl at school named Jessie Effertz. She turned out to be the love of his life and they married on June 4, 1941 at the Hitchin Post in Coeur d Alene, Idaho. He was early in a budding career as a pilot at Felts Field in Spokane. International tension was building so he joined the U. S. Navel Aviation CPT program as an Ensign. He was assigned as a very needed flight instructor initially based in Ottumwa, Iowa. His first son, Richard Jr., of Anchorage, Alaska, was born there. After numerous duty stations, Dick, Jessie and their son returned to Spokane. While working as a flight instructor and gas station owner they welcomed their second son, Thomas, of Sagle, Idaho. Dick, in an effort to provide for a growing family, applied and was accepted to a position with the CAA (a Federal Aviation Agency which evolved to become the present day FAA). His first duty station in 1951 was San Antonio, Texas. After experiencing the very warm climate, he applied for a transfer to Alaska (out of the frying pan and into the freezer). In 1952, while on their way to Alaska, Jessie paused to stay with family in Spokane and welcomed their third son, Scott, of Spokane. Dick and Jessie raised their family in Anchorage. While there they enjoyed meeting many new life long friends, relaxing at their Long Lake cabin, Boy Scouting with his boys, hunting and fishing. After his boys had grown and left the nest, they retired in 1972 and returned to the Spokane area and built a couple of homes in Coeur d Alene. His great retirement achievement was to build his own airplane, a two seat Glasair. Jessie became ill and preceded him in death. One of his high school buddies, Todd Taes and his wife, Marge, asked Dick to help out a high school friend, Doris Kinne. Dick and Doris became friends. She became the final love of his life. Together they enjoyed travel, golf, fishing and great family gatherings. Their families became one family and finally brought the boys a sister, Lianne. As a long time QB (Quiet Birdman) Dick flew West and resumed his flying on April 5, 2017 to join the Heavenly Spirit. Dick is survived by Doris, his sons (and spouses), Dick Jr. (Dixie), Tom (Sharon), Scott (Kristi), Doris daughter Lianne (Dave). The family has now grown by nine grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM April 12, 2017 at Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church, 4102 South Crestline, Spokane, WA 99203. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Boy Scouts of America in Dick's honor. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Richard, please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events APR 5
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