Richard Allen Beard

Richard Allen Beard peacefully finished his mortal life April 7, 2026. He was the eleventh child of 13 children born to John and Leota Beard on September 26, 1941. Leota was a wonderful cook, seamstress, and generous heart. Tragically he lost his mom when he was just 6 years old. Nellie, his then 15-year-old sister, had to quit school to help raise her siblings. His youngest brother, George, being too young to attend school was adopted by the Heen Family.

Being a mischievous young boy during school, he dipped the ponytail of the cute girl that sat in front of him, into his ink well. This earned him the life-long nickname of Inky. With so many brothers to wrestle with Richard was a very good football player until a knee injury sidelined him. He was quite a social guy and enjoyed hanging out. Richard was a marvelous dancer and was considered quite the catch. On July 29, 1961 he married Kay Nelson and became the dad to Jana, Brent, and Bruce. He worked for the Coca Cola Company in Grand Forks. In 1966 Richard arrived in Seattle, began work at Rosella Fruit and Produce Company, and moved his family here. Sadly, Richard and Kay divorced in 1974 and he never remarried.

Some Dad adventures his children recall include camping, scary rubber boat rushing river ride, Jana learned to drive his brand-new car, Tulip Field visit, Skagit Valley potato fields, long distance driving to Beard Family reunions, driving through Mount Saint Helens ashes, listening to Patsy Cline & Bread, Thanksgivings together, Father’s Day BBQs, and Christmases observe him watch his grandchildren and great grandchildren open the Christmas gifts he brought them each year!

Richard lived in a University of Washington Apartment for many years until he retired. He moved right next to Emerald Downs Horse Racing Track in Auburn. One of his most favorite hang outs. If he was not there, you’d find him in the near-by casino, or shooting pool. He still hung out with his many friends and enjoyed cards. Richard met a wonderful woman, Ginny and became companions. They fell in love and were a great match! He became her care giver until she passed. Then he moved back to Bothell to be Kay’s care giver for 2 years until she passed. During the end of his life, his beautiful friend, Susie Hammond took loving care of him.

Richard was an honest, hard worker, generous, jovial, deeply devoted to his siblings and social man. One who is loved by his family and friends. He asked for little and left footprints on the hearts of all.

Richard is survived by brothers Donald and George and his sister Donna Zerahn his daughter Jana (Mike) Houle and son Brent (Leilani Lucrisia), Grandchildren Nicole McGuire, Branden, Bradley, Bryan, and Hailey and 9 great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his siblings: Jack, Frank, Thomas, William, Nellie Thompson, Fred, David, Barbara VanHoutan, Roger, his son Bruce and granddaughter Sarene Houle.