Rev. Dr. Richard William Banach

The Reverend Doctor Richard William Banach was called to his heavenly home to be reunited with his beloved Mary on Thursday, August 1, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington, surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born on September 9, 1937 to William and Anna Banach.  His four Ukrainian immigrant grandparents, his parents and most of his relatives had all arrived and were living safely in the New World's gateway to the American dream, on the eve of 1914's WWI ravaging their homeland.  He has shared that "it was a charmed childhood.  No lack.  All things seemed possible.  All my dreams came true."  He and his parents went everywhere.  Explored everything.

Since a young boy growing up in a classical Pentecostal faith, a God-saturated life, Richard was deeply aware of a heavenly presence that never seemed far away.  He was also impacted by the Quaker contemplative art of waiting on God while attending Pilgrim Camp throughout his youth.  He had aspirations of being a concert pianist, but shenanigans whilst ice-skating brought that dream quickly to an end.  He felt called to become a minister and devote his life to Christian mysticism and the experience of God’s presence as the essence at the core of our own beings.

He attended Eastern Bible Institute (now part of The University of Valley Forge) and was swept away by the lovely Mary Green. They married in 1958 and set off on their journey together to do the Great Work as a clergy couple.  Richard became a Father to John in 1960 and Carol in 1962, and years later, Gramps to Christopher (John’s son who passed in 2008), Elizabeth and Jennifer (Carol’s daughters).

Our parent’s ministry encompassed serving churches of the Assemblies of God in Bethpage NY, Oneonta NY, Binghamton NY and Pt. Pleasant NJ; and of the United Methodists in Neptune NJ, Audubon NJ, Succasunna NJ, and Suffern NY.  As a life-long pianist Dad often included classical piano solos in his "pulpit presentations hoping to enhance the congregation's transcendental awareness of oneness with the ineffable.”

Somehow while preaching full-time and raising a family, Dad found the time to earn his Masters at Villanova and Doctorate at Drew University.  He also found great joy in building, collecting, and displaying miniature, scale model replicas of artistically designed trains, cars, boats, and planes.  And we galavanted….a lot!  To the waterfront, parks, railroads and trestle bridges, art galleries, a few trips out west, and every summer climbing Mount Washington and riding the cog railroad.  We will always be grateful for his adventurous spirit.

Upon retirement, Dad and Mom moved to Rainier, Washington continuing their deep faith and studies to do the Great Work.  They created their own little paradise on earth.  Now, the trees they planted have grown to be tall and majestic.  And the fish pond Dad built has provided a source of serenity, especially in these last few months for Dad.  At one time Dad enjoyed riding his bike everywhere…along the trail, the Olympia Waterfront, Ruston Way and more, but these days his van would be parked in all of those places as he enjoyed the sun and chuckling with passersby.

After Mom passed on to her celestial home in 2011, Dad focused on his writing and looking at all the world as his parish.  He would hang out with his buddies at the Library or Turner Automotive for as long as they would have him.  He was often found at the Olympia Farmer’s Market as a sort of unofficial “Good Will Ambassador” while sitting in his own portable chair near special vendor friends and working on his essays and musings.  He laughed and wrote:  “Have Chair, Will Sit Isolatedly, or Park in my Car Cave Alternatively, Anywhere, Anytime, and Be, Observe, Own, Bless, get Giddy, and Float away while spinning mystic memories on papyrus as [my] gift to the world….”

Dad’s spirit is soaring now and he was a wonderful man and inspiration to us all.   As a dear friend of his stated, “What an out-of-the-box blending of so many talents and energies, so much knowledge and spiritual wisdom, and such zany and endearing personal qualities and, dare I say, lovable quirks.….. all in and under the guise of a Protestant minister.  Who would have ever thunk it.” Another dear friend shared, “May the memories of the laughter and joy we all shared over so many decades be like a salve to ease our grief.”

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Friday, September 13 at 4 pm at the Chapel in Funeral Alternatives - 2830 Willamette Drive Northeast, Lacey, WA 98516  (360) 207-4948

Dad would want us to laugh and be light-hearted in all of our Be-ing. Dress accordingly and as dapper as he did with vibrant colors, scarves, and hats.

We would welcome your stories and pictures.  Please send them to Carol at [email protected] to be included at the celebration, if you are unable to attend in person.

• Memorial Donations can be made to the Special Music Fund at St. Mary's Episcopal Church at https://stmaryslw.org/

• Expressions of sympathy can be mailed in care of Richard's daughter, Carol Banach, PO Box 214, Rainier, WA 98576

In closing - his familiar words - “Go in Peace, not in pieces.”