Richard Allen Curry

Richard Allen Curry, 81, passed away on Friday, April 3rd, 2020 after succumbing to COVID-19. Richard (Dick) was born in Seattle, WA on March 31, 1939, and grew up in nearby Edmonds, WA. He was a member of the class of 1957 - the last class to graduate from the original high school in downtown Edmonds. Richard was active in high school and participated in many activities, including sports, which were such an important part of his life. Richard completed three degrees at the University of Washington. He loved being a Husky and he was especially proud when his grandson, Gregory, graduated from UW in 2017. Richard began his professional life as a Spanish professor and later served as an administrator at various universities. His last position was Vice Chancellor of the University and Community College System of Nevada, where he retired in 2004. He previously worked at the University of California, Riverside, the University of West Virginia, the University of Georgia, the University of Nevada Reno, Eastern Washington University and California State University Stanislaus. Richard was several times named teacher of the year. In addition to teaching and being an administrator, Richard authored several Spanish textbooks. Upon his retirement, Richard and his wife, Sheri, moved back to Washington, settling in his favorite place on earth, downtown Edmonds, where he enjoyed almost daily walks along the waterfront. Richard leaves behind his wife of nearly 35 years, Sheri LaVay, his three sons and their spouses, Lyle and Renee, David and Trina, Steven, as well as his stepdaughter, Amy and her husband Loren. Also surviving him are his grandchildren Kenny, his wife Randee, Greg, Delaney and Deklan, Weston, Corbett, and Annaka, as well as his first wife and mother of his sons, Cristy. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Dolores, and his brother Michael. Richard loved his family and friends and was happiest when he was able to spend time with his loved ones. A special joy for him was attending the annual reunion picnic with his life-long friends from Edmonds High School. In fact, Dick had a great fondness for his alma mater and served as chairperson of the class reunion steering committee and was instrumental in establishing a scholarship fund which awards an annual college scholarship to an Edmonds high school student in memory of and appreciation for the teachers, coaches, and staff who guided the class of 57 during their years at EHS. If you wish to commemorate Richard, please send a contribution to the fund at: Foundation for Edmonds School District P.O. Box 390 Lynnwood, WA 98046 Memo: EHS Class of 1957 Scholarship The family wishes to thank the caregivers who took such loving care of him during his final year at Crista Assisted Living and Rosewood Courte while he battled other health problems that limited his physical and mental abilities. And we especially want to thank the staff of Swedish Hospital Edmonds for their care in his final days. The coronavirus global pandemic which ultimately took his life has created additional challenges for memorial services at this time. The family plans to hold a Celebration of Life To honor Richard at a later date when we are allowed large gatherings again.