On June 12, 2026, Richard Winters, 71, of Forks, WA, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Surrounded by the love of his wife and family, he passed peacefully with them by his side.

Richard  was born on May 20, 1955, in Grangeville, Idaho, to Richard Lawrence Winters and Dorothy Ruth Schupe. Shortly after his birth, the family settled in Kamiah, Idaho. Rich's early years were filled with adventure and frequent moves as his father worked in road construction and later in the logging industry. These opportunities took the family through Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, creating experiences and stories that would become treasured family memories.

As a boy, Rich loved the outdoors and embraced the cowboy way of life. Alongside his younger sisters, he participated in Little Britches Rodeo. One of his proudest childhood accomplishments was being the only rider to "make the whistle" on Pinto Pete, a spirited Shetland pony he rode in the bronc riding event. The determination and fearlessness he displayed then remained defining qualities throughout his life.

During a rodeo in St. Anthony, Idaho, Rich unknowingly crossed paths with a young girl named Diane. Ten years later, their lives would come together, and they were married on September 8, 1974, in Kamiah, Idaho—the very place Rich had first called home.

Together, Rich and Diane built a beautiful family of three sons and three daughters. Their family continued to grow, eventually including 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Following in his father's footsteps, Rich worked in the logging industry. Eventually, work brought the family to Forks, Washington, where Rich and Diane raised their children and established roots that would last a lifetime. Rich worked in the woods into his 50s until an injury he sustained led him down a new path. Determined to continue serving others, he earned his GED, graduated from Peninsula College with an associate degree, and became a medical assistant.

In June 2011, Rich began his career at Bogachiel Clinic before accepting a position at Clallam Bay Clinic. There, he earned the trust and respect of colleagues and proudly mentored many young professionals who continue to serve the community today. Rich took great pride in his work, cared deeply for his patients, and genuinely loved those he worked alongside.

Richard spent much of his adult life serving others throughout Clallam County.

He was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America where he spent 24 years of his life committed teaching young men the values of hard work and building relationships. Some of Rich's most cherished memories were the annual 50-mile hikes he led with the scouts.

Rich spent 16 years on the Forks Ambulance Crew serving the community he loved.

Rich was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he faithfully served in many callings throughout his life. His commitment to God and his congregation was central to who he was. He spent 10 years Maintaining and caring for the church lawns. A service he took pride in as if it were his own lawn.

Rich truly had a servant's heart. Serving others and contributing to the communities he was part of brought him immense joy and a deep sense of purpose.

Rich also possessed an adventurous spirit and a deep love for the outdoors. He spent many years hiking in the mountains, with some of his most memorable adventures including Mount St. Helens, Mount Olympus, Pyramid Peak, and two point-to-point treks through the Grand Canyon. He often spent Saturdays hiking Mount Mueller, capturing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest from its summit.

He also loved camping with his wife and family, cherishing the memories they created together each year. That love of camping stretched from the beaches of La Push to the desert of Ellensburg, where Rich and Diane began an August tradition at the Ellensburg KOA with their grandchildren. These trips became the highlight of the year, offering precious time together and creating lasting memories.

In April 2024, Richard's life changed forever when he was diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer. During his final months, Rich showed everyone where his heart truly lay—It wasn't in possesions or things, but in the ones he loved dearly-his family & friends.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; his children, Brandon, Cassody (Jason), Candice (Heath), Heidi (John), Chaz, and Zach (Molly); 14 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sisters Kathy Getten and Louanna Woolsey; brother James Winters; and many extended family members whose lives were touched by his kindness and faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick Winters and Dorothy Swanson.

A memorial service will be held at the Round House, 246 La Push Road, Forks, Washington, at 2:00 p.m. Livestreaming will be provided via Zoom for those unable to attend in person. Please contact the family for the link.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered prayers, support, and kindness during this difficult time.

Though Rich will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing that he has been set free, fully restored, and is resting in the arms of his Savior. His legacy of faith, service, adventure, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him..