Thursday, April 25, 2024
"Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room." Henry Scott Holland
Bruce James Richter, the youngest child of Arthur and Bertha Richter, was born on April 29, 1923. He passed away on Oct. 25, 2014, from complications relating to dementia.
He was a life-long resident of Mukilteo, a place he loved deeply and to which he was deeply committed.
Bruce's early years were colorful and carefree. He sailed his small boat in tidal waters, pestered the fishermen on the local docks, and even dove from the Mukilteo ferries' mooring towers.
In his childhood, there was never a time that he did not know Tude (Sylvia) Zahler, another life-long Mukilteo resident. The two were born in Old Town just blocks from each other. They began dating in their early teens and were eventually married on May 19, 1945.
It was in the first of three houses Bruce built in Mukilteo that they raised their two children, Jeff and Jamie. Bruce was a wonderful and supportive father who was actively involved in the lives of both of his children.
In his adult years, Bruce worked for Scott Paper Co. and became so knowledgeable about paper finishing that he did some consulting for the company after his retirement.
Though he worked many long hours, he still made time to express his concern for Mukilteo's ongoing development, and contributed over 50 years to community service and city government.
With Tude's support he was instrumental in helping to establish the town's first library. He was on the city's Planning Commission for many years and was elected to the City Council where he served for 10 years.
Water always played a huge part in Bruce's life. The Richters spent summers boating throughout the waters of Puget Sound the San Juan Islands were a favorite destination.
In later years, Sun River, Ore., near Bend, became their vacation spot of choice.
For 10 years Bruce and Tude inaugurated the summer season by spending time there with their daughter's family. They were also fortunate to visit many of the 50 states with an extension group from Skagit Valley Community College.
Bruce resided in Mukilteo until 2010, when the demands of his dementia made home care too arduous. At that time, Bronwen Oneill, a family friend and nurse, led Bruce's family to Beverly Lake Home Care.
Bruce became a member of this wonderful adult group home run by caregiver Carolina Catle.
The care he received there was exemplary and loving, a true blessing to his family. Hospice ministered to his needs the last few months of Bruce's life, and the care and counsel his family received from Sue, Cabrini and Chris made this heartbreaking time more bearable. It was greatly appreciated.
Bruce leaves behind Tude, his wife of nearly 70 years; his son Jeff (Meg); daughter Jamie (Robert); three grandsons; Max Richter, Ethan Stockton (Karen), Taylor Stockton (Aya); and great-granddaughters, Alice and Edith.
Because of his many talents, wry sense of humor, and enormous heart, many benefited from knowing this good and gentle man. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service in Bruce's honor will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Faith Lutheran Church, 6708 Cady Rd., in Everett. A celebration of Bruce's life will follow from 3:30-6 p.m. at the Hogland House, 917 Webster St., in Mukilteo.
