Richard Keith Van Volkinburg Jr.

Richard Keith Van Volkinburg Jr., 70, passed away at his home in Cosmopolis, Washington, on Friday, April 8, 2022.

Richard Keith Van Volkinburg Jr., 70, passed away at his home in Cosmopolis, Washington, on Friday, April 8, 2022. He was born to Richard and Magenta Van Volkinburg on Nov. 7, 1951, in Aberdeen, Washington. Rich spent all but 6 years of his life living on his family homestead, where he and his wife, Sue, raised their family on the beautiful, forested property.

He attended Cosmopolis grade school, Hopkins Junior High, and graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1970. Rich played football and wrestled in high school. He excelled in football and was an all-state lineman his senior year, despite contracting rheumatic fever while in junior high and being told that he would never be able to participate in sports.

Rich continued his education and football career at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. Rich was a two-time Little All-American in football and was inducted into the UPS Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Aberdeen High School Hall of Fame in 2003. He graduated from UPS in 1975 with a BA in Education, and later received his Masters in Education from City University.

Rich had an impactful teaching and coaching career, instructing and teaching students at Wishkah Valley grade school, Robert Gray Elementary, Rhema Christian Academy and AJ West Elementary school over the course of 35 years, retiring in 2009. He had a great love for teaching and for his students. Rich coached football, basketball, and track and field at Aberdeen High School. He also coached basketball at Wishkah Valley High School during his retirement. He was involved in Aberdeen athletic programs over six decades.

Rich married Susan Rodin on Aug. 20, 1972, in Aberdeen. They had 49 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised five children. Rich worked diligently to provide for his family, becoming a skilled carpenter, adding on to the family home, building a lake cabin and more than a couple of sheds.

Rich was involved in the Christian community of Grays Harbor. He cared deeply about the church and participated in several churches and small groups over the years which enriched life and his walk with God. Rich was so thankful for God’s grace and love in his life.

Rich was a gentle, kind and soft-spoken man. He had many interests and talents. He enjoyed woodworking, carpentry work, gardening, making “Pop’s Dill Pickles” from the cucumbers he grew, hiking, camping, golf, road trips, uncountable games of cribbage and pinochle, Scrabble (just about unbeatable), and time with friends and family. His children and three grandchildren brought him great joy. Rich and Sue were able to take several special trips together, visiting Alaska, Hawaii, Europe and 29 National Parks.

Rich is survived by his wife, Susan, at their family home; sons, David, Cosmopolis; Peter, Colorado; Richard (Cheryl) of McCleary, and Michael (Bree) of San Diego, California; daughter Alicia (Mark) Nelson of Aberdeen; his three grandchildren, Derrick and Keira Van Volkinburg of McCleary and Nancy Nelson of Aberdeen; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Robert Whiteman and Steve Taylor; and his sister, Maralu Hall.

To share memories or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 23, at 1 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church in Hoquiam. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Aberdeen High School Booster Club or Christian Cable Ministries (Channel 20) in Aberdeen.