Richard “Rich” Carl Swiergula, an adored husband, father, brother, teacher, coach, and community volunteer, left us on Oct. 12, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. Rich was born on Sept. 8, 1946, in Aberdeen, Washington and graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1964. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University. He later obtained a master’s in education.
Rich taught third grade at Ocosta Elementary for 38 years. He was an enormously compassionate teacher and colleague, who imparted a love of books on his students. He frequently gathered them around and brought his favorite stories to life by reading aloud. A lifelong runner, he reestablished Ocosta’s cross-country program and later also became the track coach. He was a uniquely motivating coach who led with his heart and had a genuine interest in each runner’s personal best.
Rich met his wife Joyce when he had her oldest daughter in his class. He embraced the role of father to her three young girls who had lost their own dad a few years before. He and Joyce later added a fourth daughter to their family. He gave his girls a love of Rock ‘N Roll music, concerts, and the outdoors — and he never complained when horseback riding took up most of their time. He taught them patience, selflessness, generosity, and the importance of silliness.
In his retirement, Rich loved to travel to national parks and spent much of his time volunteering in Montesano, where he and Joyce resided.
Rich is preceded in his death by parents Edward and Rose. He is survived by his wife Joyce, sisters Beverly Swiergula and Denise (Jack) Seaborn, daughters Kristi Kite, Kelly Miller, Gail Kite, and Jennae Swiergula, and grandchildren Karli Pfaeffle, and Lauren and Evan Miller. The family will hold a private service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Evergreen Action or the Sierra Club. Please take a moment to send the family your memories of Rich or a note of condolence by visiting www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.
