Richard “Dick” Sutter Sr.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA on Dec. 12, 1933, he was the youngest of 5 children to Thomas Douglas Sutter, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (“Mame”) Sutter. Dick lived an active life full of family, laughter, and adventure.

Dick attended Penn State University where he made many good friends and was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. From there he served for two years in the US Army, as a Radio Signal instructor and bookkeeper in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Following his military service, Dick graduated from Grove City College in Western Pennsylvania.

Following graduation he worked in the commercial insurance industry in Pittsburgh, where he built a successful business lasting several years.

For 66 years, he was the devoted husband of Helen (McCune) Sutter. Together they raised a loving family and enjoyed a life centered around deep Christian values and shared joy. He was the proud father of Richard (Rick) Sutter, Jr. and his wife Michelle, and daughter Jennifer (Jenny) TeGrotenhuis and her husband Ward. Dick leaves behind seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense pride and happiness to his life.

Dick was a man of many stories–always ready with a tale, a laugh, or a bit of wisdom. He enjoyed downhill skiing and tennis with many lifelong friends. However, his favorite athletic pastime was golf. He would recall every shot from a round of golf and was always eager to tell you about them, good or bad. Dick especially cherished summers at his lakefront home at Van Buren Point in Western New York. He was also a passionate bird watcher, finding quiet joy in the natural world.

A celebration of his life will be held on Aug. 23 at (time PST) at West Side Church, Richland, Washington. All are invited to attend by live stream hosted by the Facebook page of West Side Church, Richland, WA.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Dick Sutter, please consider World Vision, which protects and empowers the most at risk children. https://www.worldvision.org/.