Richard Edward Nygard Obituary (1945

Richard Edward Nygard, 80, of Yakima, Washington, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026. Richard was born on June 6, 1945, in Watertown, Minnesota, to Glenn and Mildred Nygard. He spent much of his early life in the San Francisco Bay Area before eventually settling in Bremerton, Washington. There, he dedicated 30 years to hard work and skilled craftsmanship as a sandblaster at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. On September 30, 1978, Richard married his beloved wife, Maureen Elizabeth Nygard. Together, they built a life in Port Orchard, Washington, before moving to Seabeck, where they raised their family. Following his retirement, Richard relocated with his wife and children to Yakima, embracing a quieter pace of life surrounded by those he loved most. He found great joy in watching football and baseball and cherished every moment spent with family. Richard was a quiet, faithful, and witty man whose greatest joy was his family. A devoted father, he never missed a game, dance recital, or milestone, always showing up with steady support and pride. He believed deeply in helping others and led by example, instilling in his children the values of kindness, compassion, and integrity. Known for his strong work ethic and humble nature, Richard approached life with dedication and purpose. In his spare time, he enjoyed old cars, appreciating their history and craftsmanship. He will be remembered for his gentle strength, unwavering presence, and the love he gave so freely. Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Maureen Elizabeth Nygard; his daughters, Diane Anderson, Melissa Falk, and Tiffany Nygard; and his five beloved grandchildren, Arianna, Alessandra, Paige, Madeline, and Cooper. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Glenn. A private family funeral will be held on June 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Central Lutheran Church. A reception for friends and family will follow from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 1840 Pleasant Hill Road in Selah, Washington.