Richard J Messenger
November 15, 1943 – June 22, 2021
Richard James Messenger, 77, known as Dick or Rich, was born to Albert and Judy Messenger in Dorset, Vermont, and raised in Apache Junction, Arizona, with four siblings. He married the love of his life Lexie and raised their two children, Penny and Rusty, in Sedro Woolley, Washington.
was a wonderful father. He was friendly, kind, genuine, and a romantic at heart. He enjoyed writing poetry to his wife and memoirs of their life and travels. He was a great storyteller and could always find a way to make you laugh. He loved gardening and owned a landscape design business.
Happiness to him came from quietly absorbing the simple pleasures of life. The songs of birds, a leisurely coffee cup walk, soaking in the serenity of a sunset, or kicking back around a crackling campfire as Lexie softly played her keyboard.
After retiring and his wife's health deteriorated, they relocated to the sunny Pismo Beach, California area, where their son Rustin generously helped to care for them. When she went into a nursing home, Rich lovingly made multiple daily visits, took her on outings, and cooked her recipes with her.
Many knew him as 'Rich Love' at the Pismo Pier, where he sang nostalgic songs and spoke glowingly of his wife of 47 years. It healed his heart to share with others relationship advice based on Bible principles that helped his marriage endure. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses for fifty years, his faith helped him get through the loss of his wife and son in 2013 and sustained him as he fought leukemia.
He and Penny maintained a close personal relationship. They had fun decorating his apartment retro 50s style, displaying Lexie's artwork, cooking and zooming. He doted on his grandchildren and encouraged them to appreciate the little things, finding something beautiful each day. They will never forget his peanut butter and fluff sandwiches! We have so many beautiful memories.
Rich is survived by siblings Bob, Gerry, and Patty, daughter Penny Bunnell, her son Joseph, granddaughters Ashley, Breanna, and Phebe, great-grandchildren Allie and Tyler, step-grandchildren, and many more dear family members.
