Richard ‘Dick’ Earl Darlington
Richard ‘Dick’ Earl Darlington passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 30, 2012. Dick was known and loved for his sense of humor, enthusiasm for life, love of people and of course his famous clam dip. Boating and golfing were his two main passions. He spent many years golfing at Snohomish Golf Course rain or shine and fishing the greater Puget Sound and San Juan Islands. He loved to laugh and his sense of humor would bring a smile to anyone listening. Dick was always the center of any party or gathering and he could hold an audience captive with his stories and quick wit. Dick had the ability to light up any room he was in and when he took to the dance floor people loved to watch him. Dick was born on October 8th, 1938 and grew up on a farm in Bothell, Washington and attended Bothell High School. He served his country in the Air Force and was fortunate to travel the world. Most of his career was spent in the construction/urethane foam industry. Dick was very proud of the young men he hired and trained and took pride in watching them grow into very successful people. He remained close friends over the years with his crew members and thought of them as family. Frequently his faithful companion ‘Charlie’, a golden retriever, would accompany Dick to many job sites. The love and admiration between Dick and Charlie was obvious to everyone and Charlie became a ‘regular’ even when travelling to distant job sites. Dick is survived by his longtime love of 35 years Crystal Darlington and children; son Scott Darlington and Kristen of Camano Island, daughter Kari Gabel and Tim of Snohomish, daughter Deena Eckroth and Steve of Mukilteo and daughter Lisa Gibson and Rob of Lake Stevens. Dick had seven grandchildren; Crystal Hudson and Mark Eckroth, Lindsey, Ryker and Lainie Gibson, and Jacob and Cassie Gabel.Siblings include Pat Seims (Jerry) of Sterling AK, Bob Darlington (Judy) of Snohomish, Sharon Spencer of Bakersfield CA, Sue Aiau (Peter) of Seattle, Sandy Ormbrek of Seattle, Ken Ormbrek (Page) of Yakima and Jon Ormbrek (Bev) of Ellensburg. Dick is preceded in death by his parents; Gay Ormbrek, and George Ormbrek. Although he will be missed by many, we will treasure the many wonderful memories and hold those forever in our hearts. His laughter, infectious smile and his twinkling blue eyes will always remain with his family and friends.