Richard (Dick) B. Cross of Issaquah, Washington, died on Thursday, July 20, at age 89, after a rich, happy, and contributive life.
Born in Farmington, Iowa on February 4, 1928, to Elza and Effie Cross, Dick knew from an early age he wanted to entertain people — and he did, throughout his life. In his early twenties, Dick became a well-known radio personality, entertaining and lightening the hearts of thousands of people throughout Oregon and Washington on major radio stations (including KUGN Eugene, KVI, and KOMO Seattle) throughout his 40-year radio career. He was almost always a ‘drive-time’ personality, the coveted time slot. He came up with uniquely creative and sometimes outlandish bits of entertainment to always keep his audience listening — and laughing. He usually called his program “Happy Hour” and it was — and he was.
Dick was interested in many things — and had several life-long hobbies. He loved the sea and boats, as a result of his joining the Navy at age 18 and seeing a lot of the world. He was a gifted musician, playing drums and banjo in groups. His other love was antique cars, and he owned several throughout his life. His last car was his favorite — a 1947 Chrysler Windsor convertible that he restored from the chassis up, and won many trophies in car shows, too.
Dick was the youngest of five children, and also had two half-siblings, all who have pre-deceased him. Dick married Lee in 1946, and they had one daughter, Candy, who pre-deceased him. In 1970, he married Carla Garrison, while living in Eugene, Oregon. They moved to the Seattle area in 1972, when Dick took a radio personality spot at KVI. In 1972, they welcomed their son Chris. For the past 40 years, they’ve called Issaquah ‘home’.
Dick and his wife Carla were life members of Meydenbauer Yacht Club, and Dick kept audiences laughing as emcee of the MBYC Follies vaudeville shows — and jokes that were so memorable they were requested long after the events.
Dick leaves his loving wife, Carla, son Chris (Kimberly), and granddaughters Meredith, Megan, and Margot, all of Seattle. Dick also has a granddaughter Whitney (Corry), and two great-grandchildren, in Mesa, Arizona.
A graveside ceremony will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 22, 2017 at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent, WA. 98042. The celebration of Dick’s life will be held 2-4 p.m. on September 23, 2017 (Saturday) for friends and family. The celebration will be held at Meydenbauer Yacht Club, 9927 Meydenbauer Way SE, Bellevue, WA. 98004 (off Main St. in Old Bellevue). Be prepared to hear more adventures and stories than you thought possible from one person — and please bring your own.
The family suggests remembrances to Alzheimer’s Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
We will so miss you, Dick, for you uniquely brightened our lives and lightened our load. As the song says, “there will never ever be another you.” We know you’re in heaven with your friends and family — and it is a much livelier place with more laughter because you’ve joined them.
Friends are invited to share memories and sign the family’s on-line guest book at www.flintofts.com.
