Dick Dillon, 85

Dick Dillon, 85, was born in Port Angeles, Washington, on Jan. 6, 1938, to parents Daniel (Richard) and Grace Washburn Dillon. The family moved to Seattle when he was a small child, and he grew up in the suburb of Ballard.

He met the love of his life, Beverly, in high school when he was just 18. A bit nervous of being so young, they waited two years to become engaged and another two years before marrying. They were married 62 years.

His love of science led him through a degree in chemistry and a career path through the fields of synthetic rubber, aerospace, lignite coal, and aluminum. Never afraid of a challenge, he then changed careers and built a full service photo finishing business, which he owned for 10 years.

Changing course once again, he returned to school and obtained a degree in accounting. This led to teaching at a college, working as an accountant in a school for special needs children, and starting his own home based tax accounting business.

Retirement brought a move back to his beloved Northwestern Montana, and he established a tax accounting business, which only closed as his physical health prevented him from offering the personalized, caring client service that was his hallmark.

He loved many things such as fishing, his boat, remote-controlled airplanes, mowing his field on his John Deere in the early evening, big family gatherings and quiet conversations, history, museums, long car trips, tent camping (in Yellowstone was his favorite), classic art, music (from Willy Nelson to Tchaikovsky), tinkering in his garage building work benches, beets, lemon pie, all things World War II, gardening, and early morning men's prayer breakfasts. He also coached soccer for each of his three sons.

His Christian faith was strong, and he was active in many roles in churches wherever he lived. The family moved several times, living in Inglewood, California, Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Whitefish, as well as returning to the Seattle area two times. He built long lasting friendships wherever he was.

He deeply loved his family and was delighted as it grew.

He is survived by his wife, Bev; sons, Rick (Bonnie), Sean (DeeAnna), and Mark (Jennifer); grandchildren, Ananda, Micah, Fabiola, Hanna, Zachary, Sarah, and Katelyn; and great-grandchildren, Jack, Fawkes, Finnley, Roman, and Scarlet.

Remembrances may be sent to American Cancer Society or Seattle's Union Gospel Mission.

A celebration of Dick's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5 at Easthaven Baptist Church, 2010 Whitefish Stage, Kalispell. Austin Funeral and Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for the family. To send online condolences to the family please visit www.austinfh.com.