Richard McFadden

Richard “Rick” McFadden, age 68, left this earthly plane unexpectedly on June 20, 2018 in Puyallup, Washington.  He was born on July 11, 1950 to Guy and Monika McFadden in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Richard contracted polio at 2 years of age.  It took the use of his legs, but he did not let it define his life.  He was a world traveler and a medalist for the Special Olympics in swimming and diving.  He was part of the swim and dive teams at Pacific Lutheran University and graduated with a degree in Finance.  He was also a scuba diver and loved the water.  Rick enjoyed dancing and was a competitive dancer for Fred Astaire Dance Studios.  He even made the Tribune a few times.  He always surprised people at what he was willing to try and succeed at.  His strength and endurance were incredible even had he not been physically challenged.  Richard did things that people still say weren’t possible.  Things we see as obstacles, he saw as challenges and met them head on.

Richard had the kindest soul that was apparent in all he endeavored.  Incredibly open-minded and free-spirited, he touched so many lives with his generosity, young or old it did not matter. His smile was infectious, and he loved with his whole heart.  We could not have asked for a better son, brother, uncle or friend.

Richard started out his career working as a civil servant on Fort Lewis in their finance division. After an early retirement he worked for the Boeing Company and Alaska Airlines.  Finally, he worked at Walmart in Auburn, WA where he brought joy to everyone who crossed his path.

During the last couple years of his life, Rick resided at Life Care Center of Puyallup due to complications from Post-Polio Syndrome.  He was loved by staff and residents for his generous nature and sense of humor.  Enormous thanks to them for the care and concern they provided.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Karl & Monika Wipplinger (Austria), Guy & Hazel McFadden (Pgh, PA); his parents Guy & Monika McFadden of Spanaway, WA; uncle Leslie Ancliffe (England); uncle and aunt Robert & Sarah McFadden (Pgh, PA); cousin Robert McFadden (Pgh, PA); and uncle Kurt Prause (Austria).  He is survived by his siblings Guy (Laura) McFadden, Monika McFadden, Coleen Shafer; In-laws Alfonso Corbi & Patrick Shafer; nieces and nephews Jonathan McFadden, James Corbi (Mona), Brian McFadden (Amanda), SarahAnn McFadden (Steve Combest), Lindsi Dennis (Chris), Paula Norris(Skyler), Megan Phillips(Brian) and Holeigh Shafer; great nieces & nephews Alexander, Violet, Iris, Alder & Willow, and Kai; his dear friend Amanda; as well as family on the east coast, in Europe and many adopted members.

Rick wished to be cremated, blown in the wind, and no services to be held.  He asked that we only remember him as the soul that he was.  The greatest gift we can give him is to pay forward the daily generosity with which he blessed us.

Sind Immer Mit Uns!  Love and Light, dear brother.

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