Richard 'Dick' Dennis Ravet
Ellensburg resident Richard "Dick" Ravet, 66, passed away April 16, 2008, at his home in Palm Desert, Calif.
Dick was born Jan. 7, 1942, in Seattle to Henry and Gail (Bauman) Ravet as the fifth of seven children. He grew up and lived most of his youth in Kent, Wash. He spent his freshmen year of high school at St. Martin's School in Lacey, Wash., then returned to Kent Meridian High School where he graduated in 1960.
On Sept. 21, 1960, Dick married his high school sweetheart, Trudy Ann Lien. They went on to have six children in the next 10 years which planted the seeds for his true passion in life - family. They were married until his death in 2008.
Richard had an interesting and varied work experience. He spent 22 years at United Airlines and as partial owner of East Hill Tire in Kent. He sought out opportunities for challenge and ventured out in many areas during this time. In 1980, he moved his family from Kent to a ranch in Thorp, Wash., and began a new chapter in his life. He learned how to grow and sell hay and his family learned how to pick rocks and move sprinkler pipe. He also drove a bus for the Kittitas Coyotes for a short time where he often bragged about being everyone's 'favorite' bus driver and about how he got paid to go and watch sporting events. His experience with his ranch led him to his next opportunity at Anderson Hay and Grain. After several years with Anderson Hay, Dick saw a need and an opportunity in the tarping business.
In 1994, Dick started his hay tarping business "Tarp-It" with his son Tim. It now employs 80 people. Dick was known as a "family" man and greatly enjoyed being surrounded by his six children and 20 grandchildren at frequent family gatherings and parties. His family was his greatest joy. In 1998 he and Trudy bought a second home in Palm Desert, Calif. He enjoyed spending the winter months at the Palm Desert home and the family often spent time with him there in the winter. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, swimming in his pool, watching sports and debating current events.
In the past year Dick was very involved and excited about supporting a transformational musical called RadicaLove. The musical carries an uplifting spiritual message and songs that Dick loved. RadicaLove is produced by Dick's close friend Arnold Capitanelli and son Michael Capitanelli. The musical will open in Palm Springs Annenberg Theater on May 9. Dick's family will be attending the opening of the musical in his honor.
Dick was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church in Ellensburg and Christ of the Desert Catholic Church in Palm Desert. Dick left us beautiful memories and his loving spirit is still our guide. He was a man of strong faith. He will always be remembered as a generous, kind, and gentle husband, father, and grandfather. His family values were strong. We lovingly nicknamed him "Poppy." He will be missed greatly by all the lives he has touched.
He is survived by his wife, Trudy Ann (Lien) Ravet; sons Jeff Ravet and Tim (Julie) Ravet, daughters Michele (Dan) Cook, Laurie (Bill) Gordon, Shannon (Aaron) Radich of Ellensburg, Terri (Jeff) Thomas of Kent; sisters, Catherine Howard and Teresa (Scott) Barnes of Federal Way; sisters-in-law Gail Ravet of Walla Walla, Louise Ravet of Almeta, Calif., Sonja Ravet of Palm Desert, Calif.; brother-in-law Phil Aughnay of Bremerton; 20 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Gail (Bauman) Ravet; brothers William Ravet, David Ravet and Jack Ravet; sister MaryLou Aughnay, nephew, Michael Murphy.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Court Advocates for Children for Kittitas County, 421 North Pearl St., Suite 208, Ellensburg, WA 98926, 509-925-4871.