Dennis (Denny) Richards

Dennis (Denny) Richards, a Gig Harbor community leader, beloved husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, and dear friend, died February 27, 2024.

Denny was born in Newport, OR, and raised in Vancouver, WA, where he met his future bride, Sheryl, at Hudson Bay High School in 1959. They married in 1964 and started their family which gave them two sons (Brian and Mark) and a daughter (Julie).

Denny began his law enforcement career at Vancouver Police Department in 1967. Then advanced his education at Clark Community College (Criminal Justice), Evergreen State University – Vancouver (Public Administration) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (Management Studies). He became Chief of Police of Gig Harbor in 1987 and served until 1995. He was best known for creating and developing relationships with local business owners to bridge gaps between the community and the department.

During this time, Denny earned the Rotary Club of Gig Harbor’s Star Award to become a Paul Harris Fellow for his outstanding community service. He was active in giving back to the community as a longtime Gig Harbor Kiwanis member, Gig Harbor Fire District 5 Commissioner, Minter Creek Elementary School Watch Dog, and as a member of the Gig Harbor Civil Service Commission.

After his retirement from law enforcement, Denny held several roles in city government including City Administrator of Gig Harbor, Fircrest, Sammamish, Kelso, and interim roles with Battle Ground, Long Beach, Sultan, Jefferson County, and Woodland. He also had short stints in real estate and as a United States Deputy Marshal at the Tacoma Federal Court.

Denny was an avid woodworker, creating pens, wine stoppers, salt and pepper shakers, cars, planes, cutting boards, and various projects that he enjoyed gifting to friends, family, and even perfect strangers throughout the community. He enjoyed golfing, striking up conversations, bird watching, traveling, and baking some of the best cookies his grandson has ever eaten.

Denny is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Sheryl Richards, his son Brian Richards (Diana), daughter Julie (Richards) Walters (Gabe), grandchildren Randi, Jordyn, and Corbin Richards, brothers Mike Richards, Emmett Richards and Larry Rominger, sister Colleen Marsh, and countless cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of Denny’s life will be held at Gig Harbor Golf and Country Club on March 24, 2024, at 2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Gig Harbor Kiwanis Cares For Kids Fund.

“Think where man’s glory most begins and ends. And say my glory was I had such friends.”

— Yeats