Richard “Dick” John Wall
August 8, 1950 – May 24, 2016
Dick Wall, 65, of Covington, WA passed away peacefully May 24, 2016 with family by his side. Dick was the first son to Jack and Bernis Wall born on August 8, 1950 in Chehalis, WA. Dick grew up in Winlock, WA with his older sister Cheryl, younger brother Tim and younger sister Susie. Dick had a passion for motorcycles at a very young age. His father Jack was a professional hill climber as was his step father Art Savage. Dick became a professional flat track motorcycle racer at the age of 16. He was an all-around exceptional athlete. He was a star athlete in both football and track.
Dick went on to serve in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. He was an Army Ranger Airborne Company H 75th Infantry Long Range Patrol. He returned a decorated soldier which included several medals such as the Silver Star, Bronze Star with V (2), Air Medal (2) and Combat Infantry Badge. He was a true American Hero!
After coming back home to Winlock, Dick started a very long career driving semi-trucks and was also a volunteer fireman. He was a log truck driver for several years before getting a promotion as a terminal manager at Matlack Transportation in Kent. After moving his family to Kent and settling down in that area, he started racing again in the early 1990’s. It took him a few years but eventually he became a professional motorcycle racer for the 2nd time. A few years later in 2000, Dick was awarded a national number which is given to less than a 100 riders around the US on an annual basis. Dick was very proud of being “National Number 60” and so were his family and friends. Quite an accomplishment at 50 years of age.
Dick met his wife Shirley in 1992 and they were married in March of 2007. He and Shirley enjoyed several cruises together and loved camping with family. Dick also enjoyed going on race trips with his sons and watching his grandkids play sports and other activities. He lived life to its fullest – always full throttle.
Dick was preceded in death by his father Jack Wall, mother Bernis Wall, stepfather Art Savage and Sister Cheryl Zwiefelhofer.
Dick is survived by his wife Shirley Wall, sons Dan Wall (Cari), Tony Wall (Jolene), daughter Richelle Wall, Destiny Lundin (Rob), Starlene Jarvis (Gary) and Scott Bellman (Jennifer). Brother Tim Wall, sister Susie Gieseke, uncle Jack Baird (Cheryl), 13 grandkids and 4 great grandkids.
Dick will have a private ceremony with full military honors at Tahoma National Cemetery where he will rest.
Services will be held at Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA on Friday June 3rd at 11:00 a.m. followed immediately by a celebration of life at the same location.
In lieu of Flowers, please consider a donation to the VA Hospital in Seattle, WA. He really appreciated the support he received from the VA throughout his battle with cancer.
