Lifetime Westport resident Dick (Merdick) Strong, 60, succumbed to his stubbornness and cancer on April 23, 2018, after a long hard fight he did on his terms surrounded by loved ones. Born to Jack and Ruth Strong of Westport, on July 11, 1957, he was the youngest of three children.

Dick was a third-generation commercial fisherman and spent his life working on the water. In his spare time, he could be found in his shop building crab pots and bait boxes for the local fishing fleet and always had a cup of coffee waiting for a good B.S. session.

Dick cherished family above all else. He was married and divorced twice but those marriages brought him his three children, which according to him were his greatest achievements, but his greatest joy were his grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his son Ryan (Amy) Strong of Tacoma, daughter Elisha Strong of Gig Harbor, son Justin (Kari) Strong of Gig Harbor, and sister Gail (Joe) Kelley of Bay City. His pride and joy included three granddaughters Madison, Aubrey, and Kaylee and one grandson Ryler. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and sister Melody.

A celebration of life is being planned for July 14, at his son’s house in Gig Harbor. Please contact a family member if you would like more information.