Obituary: Sweetland, Richard M.
Age 83
Dad married Lorraine Piper in August 1950 and had five children, Eddy, Diane, Carol, Becky, and Daniel.
Dad was a very hard working man all his life, working at the Davenport Hotel at the age of 12 and earning a little as a caddy at Downriver at that same time.
He was in the Air Force during the Korean War spending most of his tour in Alaska.
He also worked for several local dairy’s before getting into cement contracting.
At the age of 29 he joined the Spokane Fire Department and worked his way up the ladder to Assistant Chief.
Dad was very proud of his service to the Fire Department from saving people and property to hazardous waste planning.
His accomplishments with the SFD were his proudest moments.
After he retired in 1986 he and mom spent time traveling and spending winters in his favorite place, Surprise, Arizona.
Dad was a pilot and an avid golfer.
Dad is survived by his children, Diane Ells, Carol Bross, Becky Olson and Daniel Sweetland.
He is also survived by his sister, Valyne Fortaw; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dad is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lorraine; son, Eddy; brother, Russell; son-in-law, Rick Olson; and grandson, Richard Russell Henneman.
Graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 29th - 2:30PM, at Greenwood Cemetery, 211 N. Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224