Dick Rieman

On Friday, January 19th Dick Rieman passed quietly and at peace as he crossed over to the next grand adventure. After dealing with dementia for many years, it was a true blessing that he chose not to linger. He was surrounded with love.

Dick grew up in Whitefish, Montana, living a lifestyle that gave him a passion for the natural world that continued to inform the rest of his life.

After graduating from the University of Montana he moved to the Seattle area. He taught junior high school math and science for 4 years, learned how to fly, taught flying and became a pilot with United Airlines for 21 years. In the years flying up and down the west coast he watched how the timbered hills became clearcut’s and he was concerned about the rampant deforestation.

Flying no longer interested him. He retired from United Airlines at fifty to devote the rest of his life thinking about, and planning ways to keep the forests healthy and to protect the Icicle Valley, and particularly Icicle Creek from human degradation.

In 1990 he made a 3-dimensional scale model, and then a professional film, portraying what the Icicle Valley might become in 50 years if the current rate of growth continued.

He worked with many other visionaries, committees and organizations seeking solutions to Icicle Creek water and salmon issues.

As the dementia advanced, he became less and less effective as an advocate for his environmental concerns, but he never gave up until his brain gave up.

In the late 1970s Dick and Tina had moved to Leavenworth and built a log home. He learned the skill of log building as he learned so many skills, by reading and observation. He was a member of the Marlin Handbell Ringers for over 40 years and always drew attention ringing the 25 lb. bell with one hand. During his life he loved climbing, backpacking, horse packing, hunting, fly fishing, sea kayaking, skiing, his garden, his extended family and a good martini.

Dick will be remembered for his honesty, his generosity, his curiosity, his many skills, his interesting conversations, and his passion and love for the natural world. What will be most missed by his family and many friends is his unique and infectious laugh. The angels are laughing with him now.