Richard “Dick” Morris passed away surrounded by family on Friday, June 9, 2023, in his home in Tacoma, Washington.
Dick was born on July 9, 1937, in Portland, Oregon to Richard and Anne Morris. Dick is survived by his brother Jack, and was preceded in death by his brother Mike and by his wife Barbara (Bansazak), who passed in 1993. He is survived by their four children, Tony (Nancy) Morris, Karen Morris, Jackie Fisher and Mark Morris. He is survived by his wife, Nina (Catterall), and their three children, Lisa (Bob) Caulkins, Stacie (Rob) Krabill, and Chris (Stacy) Catterall. Dick is survived by 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Dick was a well-known business man in the North Beach and Willapa Harbor regions. Dick served in the Marine Corps and after discharge, worked for Pacific Fruit on the Harbors. He purchased Ocean Shores Food Mart in 1967, and in 1973 rebranded it to Dick’s Food Center. The business flourished, eventually opening four locations in Ocean Shores, Raymond, South Bend and Yelm.
Dick took pride in his technology skills, implementing cutting edge technology in his stores. Dick was a graduate of the Harvard Business School, and he believed, in “doing your homework” and that “hard work pays off.” He served as president of Washington State Food Dealers. Dick also was part owner of the Ocean Shores Inn, a mainstay in the early days of Ocean Shores.
Dick and Barbara were early inhabitants of Ocean Shores, and they strongly supported the community’s development, including helping form the Associated Arts of Ocean Shores and supporting local artists. He was a staunch supporter of the Ocean Shores Food Bank and raised money through store initiatives and through golf tournaments. Dick also sponsored the Ocean Shores Open Golf Tournament, which drew in top golfers from around the region.
He was a former member of the Ocean Shores Lions Club, the Hoquiam Rotary, the North Beach School District School Board, and the Timberland Bank Board.
Dick sold the business and retired in 1997, dividing his time between Tacoma and Scottsdale, Arizona. He was an avid golfer, loved to travel, and became a talented photographer. But his most treasured times were spent with family around the dinner table or on trips together. Dick was a die-hard Washington Huskies fan and he enjoyed many Saturday afternoons at Husky Stadium with family.
A private entombment took place at Sunset Memorial Park in Hoquiam. A celebration of life will be held at the Ocean Shores Convention Center on July 9, 2023 at 1 p.m.
In remembrance of Dick, please consider donating to the Ocean Shores Food Bank, P.O. Box 1293, Ocean Shores, WA 98569 or to the Willapa Harbor Ministerial Association Food Pantry, 899 Park Ave, Raymond, WA 98577.
Arrangements are by Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
