Richard Wayne Pitman, 84, passed away peacefully at his home after a long battle with heart disease and diabetes on April 5, 2024.  Dick was born at home in Big Lake WA on September 1, 1939, to Heber (Blackie) and Elizabeth Ann Pitman.

He married Wanda Mary Kelley in July of 1960 and together they had their only daughter Christina (Tina). They divorced in 1981.  He married Virginia Beaver Cole several years later and they divorced in 2014.

Dick was the youngest of 7 and he would talk about all the childhood adventures he would have with his brothers.   Those days began his lifelong love of Fishing and Hunting.  He loved his adventures with his friends to Alaska to fish in the Kenai and the Clearwater.

He was a Guide and Search and Rescue for many years on the Skagit River. His favorite thing was floating the Skagit River.

Dick spent his life building and fixing things.  Working as a carpenter building homes in his younger years and working as a mechanic at Herb's Chevron, Evergreen Chevron, Vern Sims Ford, SWAP (Sedro Woolley Auto Parts) and C&R Sporting Goods.  He built his mechanical skills working on a race team at Skagit Speedway in the 60's.

He was a founding member of the Northwest Glacier Cruisers Snowmobile Club and a Lifetime member of the Wildcat Steelhead Club.  He loved helping down at the Steelhead Club and his favorite thing was the Kid's Fishing Derby they put on every year.  He loved helping the kids.

Dick coached the Little Pilots – Little League Baseball Team to several local championships.  He made many longtime friendships with the boys on his team, and he loved coaching.

He really enjoyed going to Joy's Bakery for coffee with his group of friends when he could.  Those were special times for him. He had many great friends.  Special thanks to Kurt Goche and Bob Blizard, for being there for him to the end.  His neighbors Bob and Kathy for helping him with mowing the yard for him and helping with other chores, he loved the stories talked about and Sigi for watching over him & taking him cinnamon rolls and.  Your care and friendships were so special to him. Thank you to the Burlington Fire Department for the many calls to his home for lift assistance. Hospice of the Northwest for their great care and guidance during this difficult time.

He is survived by his daughter, Tina Shields (Tom) in Lyman; grandson, Michael Eli Sutton in Hamilton; numerous nieces and nephews; his foster daughter, Lisa Forsythe (David) and her family, in Mount Vernon; stepson, Jason Cole and his family, in Colorado.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Wanda Pitman; son-in-law, Michael E Sutton, and Virginia Pitman; many good friends that he shared many memories with.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00, on Saturday, May 18, 2024 the Wildcat Steelhead Club, 24910 River Rd, Sedro-Woolley, WA.  We are planning a short boat ride, and the

BBQ will start at 2:30. We will provide the fish, please bring a potluck dish to share.

In lieu of flowers we suggest donations to the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation or the Wildcat Steelhead Club. Share your memories of Dick and sign the online guest register.