Richard Pitt

Judge Richard Lewis (Dick) Pitt, 85, passed away on March 1, 2013 at his home in Langley. He was born on May 28, 1927 in Moscow, Idaho to Perry and Alice Pitt.

Dick graduated from Jenkins High School in Chewelah, Wash., in 1945 and joined the Army. He was stationed in Germany where he served as a tank operator and military police after World War II. After his service he attended Gonzaga University Law School in Spokane.

Dick began his career as House Counsel for Allstate Insurance Company in Seattle. After moving to Whidbey Island, he served as Island County prosecuting attorney/coroner/juvenile probation officer and Langley city attorney. In 1968 he became a partner at the Patrick, Zylstra & Pitt law firm in Oak Harbor. In 1977 he was appointed Superior Court Judge for Island and San Juan counties by then Governor Dixy Lee Ray, where he served with distinction until 1993. He was also a longtime member of the Oak Harbor Lions Club.

His interests were boating, world travel (visited 40 foreign countries), golf, skiing, gardening and, most of all, his family. He is survived by his wife, Grace, sons Rick (wife Vicky) and Craig (wife Sarah), and granddaughter Rachel (husband Justin). He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Rlyn.

Dick was a kind-hearted person with an infectious laugh and a zest for life. He will be greatly missed and long remembered. A celebration of his life will be held at Frasers Gourmet Hideaway, 1191 S.E. Fidalgo Ave., Oak Harbor from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 16.

Memorials may be made to the Time Together program at the South Whidbey Senior Center located at 14594 State Route 525 Langley, WA 98260 or www.islandseniorservices.org/Bayview/

Friends and family are encouraged to offer condolences and share memories utilizing the Memory Book hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com