Richard G. Krekow, 76, a life-long Harbor resident, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. He was fondly called Dick by those who knew and loved him (if you knew him, you loved him), but to his children he was and always will be just “Dad.”

Dick was born on June 29, 1944, to Dorothy and Arnold Krekow of Hoquiam. He attended elementary and junior high school in Hoquiam and went on to Concordia Highschool in Portland, Oregon, from which he graduated in 1962.

Following high school, he worked for several years at the Rayonier Pulp and Paper Mill.

Dick enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on Nov. 30, 1965, serving his country in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, and attained the rank of sergeant. During this period Sergeant Krekow completed the Air Force Ground Radio Operator Course at Keesler AFB, inspiring and blazing a trail for his youngest son, Technical Sergeant Andrew Krekow, to complete the same course 36 years later. In preparation for his deployment to Vietnam, Sergeant Krekow completed the Air Force Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Course at Fairchild, AFB. Dick took great pride in his achievement of successfully smuggling contraband into the Conduct After Capture portion of the course. This simulated the conditions of being captured by enemy forces. Later, Dick triumphantly confessed that this was simply a stick of gum he had taped inside the toe of his shoe. While serving in Vietnam, Dick served in the 32D Division Tactical Area, while assignment to the 5th Infantry Division as Ground Radio Operator, Bien Hon Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. While assigned to the area, he supported U.S. Army Special Operations Forces, Forward Air Controllers. For his dedicated service Sergeant Krekow was awarded: The National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Air Force Good Conduct Medal, The Air Force Commendation Medal and The Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal.

Having completed his active military service, he returned to Washington state and attended Pacific Lutheran University, graduating with a Bachelor of Art degree in 1972.

After graduation, Dick began his teaching career at Central Park Elementary where he taught grades 2-5, and coached the school flag football team for 20 years. Among his players was Dick’s oldest son Gary, who played for his dad for two years. Dick loved all of his students, but he had a special kinship with those who struggled and needed guidance. His ordered, yet caring approach to teaching, resonated with these students who might otherwise have felt overlooked. Dick met his wife of 43 years, Kathie, while she too worked for the Aberdeen School District. Kathie often commented on how much she looked forward to substituting in Dick’s class, because his students were a reflection of the care, he showed them and his concern for their well-being.

Dick and Kathie raised their family of five in their home in Central Park. His youngest daughter, Amy, has fond memories of combined birthday parties held for Dad and his “little peanut.” Dick was a lifelong member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, where he was a trustee, a member of several Bible studies, and, with his sister Carol, hosted several memorable church picnics. Dick loved Washington Husky football. His passion for the team was such that, one Halloween when his children were in elementary school, he decked them out in purple and gold Husky gear and painted their faces white. When asked by classmates or teachers what their costumes were, the Krekow kids were told to respond, “We’re the ghosts of Huskies past.” Dick thoroughly enjoyed taking his children on salmon fishing trips off Willapa Bay in his much-loved boat. Dick was a strong and loving influence in the lives of his children and was affectionately called “Papa” by his seven grandchildren, who enjoyed and returned his world-famous nose beeps.

Dick is survived by his wife Kathie, his sister Carol (Randy) Manley, his children: Joy (Brian) McGregor, Stevanie (Brian) Sweet, Gary (Christine) Krekow, Amy (Brad) Curtis-Smith, Andrew (Melissa) Krekow, and his grandchildren: Katie, Josh, Colby, Laura, Megan, Charlie and Anna. He will be missed and fondly remembered by countless friends, former students and his long-term caregiver Vicky.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary M. Krekow, who passed away in 1961, and by his parents, Dorothy and Arnie.

A funeral service will be held at noon Friday, Jan. 8, 2021 at Sunset Memorial Park in Hoquiam.

Memorials in Dick’s name may be made to the charity of your choice.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net