Richard William Dyer, 87

Richard William “Dick” Dyer of Quilcene and more recently Gig Harbor passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 10, 2024, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ailene Janet (Glendinning) in 2008. He loved her deeply and never remarried.

Dick loved his country and served it by enlisting in the Navy in 1956, soon after he was graduated from Middletown High School in NJ. He left the Navy in 1961 to begin a distinguished career with the defense contractor Interstate Electronics Corporation that spanned four decades until his retirement in 1996. As a field engineer specializing in ballistic missile guidance systems, he traveled the world and brought his family to faraway places such as Holy Loch, Scotland and Rota, Spain. He loved his work because of the technical challenges, the teamwork, but most of all the satisfaction of contributing to the defense of his country. His colleagues and friends will remember him for his hard work, sharp wit and unwavering dedication to his family. He helped instill a strong work ethic and high regard for education in all his children and grandchildren, leading to their remarkable success as scientists, engineers, professionals, and health care workers.

He is survived by his five children (and their spouses): Glen Dyer (Margaret O’Shea) of Berryville, VA; Brian Dyer (Laura Lindsey) of Decatur, GA; Wendy Holt (Gary Holt) of Gig Harbor, WA; Cathy Dawkins (Lee Dawkins) of Woodlands, TX and Lee Dyer (Angela Smilanich) of Reno, NV. His eleven grandchildren were his pride and joy: Jessica Smith, Magan Bankus (Nick); Sarah, Mark (deceased) and Daniel Dyer; Christopher, Jonathan (Melissa), David and Matthew Dawkins; Camden and Hank Dyer. His great grandchildren Trent and Madalyn Bankus brought him immense delight. He will be forever missed by his family and friends.

The family is planning to conduct a celebration of life and remembrance ceremony in April 2025. Memorial donations may be made to the National Audubon Society.