Richard D. Hein

Richard D. "Dick" Hein was born on September 27, 1927, in Seattle, WA, to Louis L. and Zelda (Bowen) Hein. He was educated in Bremerton and Seattle Public Schools. After working in many warehouses for the Teamsters Union during the Second World War, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946, and served with the Occupation Army in Germany. This included one month guarding the German General Staff and high ranking officers. Upon leaving the Army, he started a plumbing and pipefitting apprenticeship. In 1950, he was again called to serve in the Army during the Korean War and served as an MP for a year at the Presidio in San Francisco, CA. On August 16, 1952, he married Barbara Murray. They had three children, Richard L. (deceased), Teresa L. and Cheryl M. Hein. Upon returning home from his military service, he completed his apprenticeship and worked on many projects in Ketchikan, AK, Eastern Washington, Seattle and Tacoma. He retired after working 41 years at his trade, and held over 50 years membership in Local U.A. #32. As an avocation, he also operated a ten acre orchard near Malaga for 25 years, taking pride in his quality fruit. He petitioned the Masonic Lodge in 1951, and soon became an active member in the Lodge and the York Rite. He served as Worshipful Master in 1959, and was "Head" of the three York Rite Bodies in Wenatchee and served as Most Illustrious Grand Master, Royal and Select Masters of Washington in 1966. Dick served as Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Washington in 1971. He was honored by having six Honorary Degrees and Orders conferred upon him and also presided over all by one. Dick was a member of the Puyallup and East Wenatchee United Methodist Churches, American Legion, BPOE #1186, Riverside Lodge #112 F&AM, Wenatchee, York Rite Bodies and Scottish Rite. On May 22, 1978, he married Barbara R. Bitter and lived in Wenatchee, Kent, Auburn and settled on a mini farm near Graham, WA to grow flowers and vegetables. They returned to Wenatchee in August of 2002, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Louis W.; his son, Richard L. Hein; and one great-grandson. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughters, Teresa Hein of Entiat and Cheryl Hein of Ephrata; and two half sisters, Jackie Ratcliff of Florida and Jill Long of Redmond, WA. He also leaves four step-children, Steve and Kathy Sturtz of Chelan, WA, Ronald and Sandy Sturtz of East Wenatchee, Raymond and Barbara Sturtz of Arlington and Connie and Bill McDermott of Corpus Christi, TX. He and Barbara have ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A Memorial to Celebrate Dick's Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 941 Washington Street, Wenatchee, WA on Saturday, February 27, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. Donations may be made in Dad's name to the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Richard D. Hein

September 27, 1927 - February 11, 2010