Richard 'Rich' James Gunhammer

Life is not separate from death.

It only looks that way. (Blackfoot)

Richard “Rich” James Gunhammer was born in Belle Fourche, S.D., on April 2, 1972. He passed away at home on July 10, 2009.

Richard was an adventurous, fun loving person who liked to make people laugh and happy. Around the age of thirteen he taught himself how to play the guitar. All he had to do was listen to the song and within days he’d know it by heart.

Before health complications, Richard was a commercial king crab fisherman. He loved his job. But his family was always close to his heart even when he was away for extended periods of time. Although Richard never married, his nieces and nephews held a special place and he would often spend time with them teaching them how to fish, bake and just be happy. Richard was in the process of teaching his niece Valerie how to play the guitar.

Richard is survived by his mother Mildred “Jean” Elkington of Moses Lake, his father Richard (Rhonda) Gunhammer of Interior, S.D., sisters Melissa (Carlos) Gonzalez (Michael, Dallas, Tyson) of Moses Lake, Kandy (Emilio) Garibay (Adrianna and Valerie) of Moses Lake, Joy (Shaun) Turpin (Caitlyn, Morgan, Brittany, Lily) of Ellensburg, brothers, Ryan, Dustin, Shane of Interior, S.D., numerous cousins, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his step-dad Gerald, paternal and maternal grandparents Mary and Jim Beesley, and Uncle Skip.

A memorial service was held at Grace Lutheran Church on Wednesday, July 15.

Richard loved life and he would not want people to grieve his passing but instead to celebrate life and the memories created.

Arrangements are in care of Benson Family Funeral Services, Moses Lake.