Richard "Rick" Monroe

Richard (Rick) L. Monroe, 56, a resident of Tumwater for 35 years, died Sunday, July 17, 2005 at his home from complications of an aneurysm. He was born March 5, 1949 to George Monroe and Betty Stites in Upland, California. He graduated from Colton High School in 1968. He married Joyce Laverne Fowlkes on May 1, 1969, they divorced in 1973. He was married to Victoria Camus from 1975 to 1981. She died in the mid 1990’s. He married Deborah Sue Rose on July 18, 1993 in Reno, Nevada, they divorced in 2000. Rick was a Master Cheese Maker from 1973 to 2000 for the Olympia Cheese Company. He played professional baseball from 1968 to 1971 for the New York Yankees. He enjoyed The Mariners, The Sonics, The Seahawks, pool, golf, classic cars, poker, softball and bowling. He is survived by his son, Steven Richard Monroe of Los Angeles, California, “ I am the lasting mark my father has left on this earth – I carry my father’s name as never before”; step-son, Isaac Wedeman of Reno, Nevada; honorary sons, Rodney Jarvela, Steve Vinyard, Jason Nickerson, Dave Ross and Dave Giomo, all of Washington and Keith Gienty of Oregon; brother; David Monroe of Oklahoma; step-brothers, William Fowlkes of Lacey and Gerald Fowlkes of Lake Sammamish; step-sister, Joyce Cardenes of Burbank, California; father, George Monroe of Centralia; mother, Betty Stites of Lake Eufala, Oklahoma; step-mother, Charlotte Monroe of Centralia and one grandchild. He is also survived by his companion and high school sweetheart, Diane Archibald Mathis. Rick will be long remembered for his generosity, quick wit and friendliness. He never knew a stranger and made friends easily and for life. Rick loved life and lived it to the fullest. He died the way he lived – His Way. Memorial donations may be made to Steve Monroe, c/o Buzz Fowlkes, 806 Century Ct. N.E., Lacey, Washington 98516.