Dick was born in Elma, Washington on Oct. 25, 1944, to Charles and Helen Oppelt. He died Sept. 28, 2022, in Olympia, Washington.

He spent his childhood at the family home on Oppelt Road outside of Elma. He roamed the family property, running on deer trails amid the trees — trees, that his parents used to build their two story log cabin.

When he left Elma he enlisted in the Air Force. As a First Class Airman in the USAF he was stationed in Turkey during the Vietnam conflict from 1963-1969 and was proud to represent the USAF as a competitive athlete across Europe, against men who became Olympic athletes.

He is preceded in death by his first wife Elaina, and their two sons Jim and Phillip. Dick is survived by his wife of 29 years, DeLene, his children Paul, Michael, Rachel, Rick and Richie, and five step-children, their spouses and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dick’s long and fruitful career of 27 years driving for Grays Harbor Community Transit was an opportunity for him to touch many lives. He loved digging agates and crystals. He often shared them with children on his bus.

He loved outdoor activities — hunting, fishing, picking mushrooms and cutting firewood. He always said it warms you three times. First when you cut it. Next when you Stack it. Third , when you burn it.

If ever a soul came to Earth with a purpose, Dick’s was to help people.

Memorial contributions can be made to Diabetes Research at Diabetes.org

Memorial will be held at a later date for friends and family.