Obituary of Richard Alden Dotson

Richard A. Dotson passed away April 28th, 2009, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Richard was born June 23, 1940 in Snoqualmie Falls , Washington . Rich graduated from Montesano High School in 1958. Upon graduating, he joined the Navy with seven close friends. He retired after 20 years of dedicated service to our country. He traveled extensively throughout the world, and lived for a time in Spain , London and the Middle East before returning to Grays Harbor where he met and married his loving wife, Bonnie, in 1984. They relocated to Port Angeles where he ran the barber shop at the Coast Guard Base for 20 years. He retired in Covington , Washington . He enjoyed playing darts and cribbage, golfing, fishing and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Bonnie, daughters, Shelley Bauck, Renton, WA, and Erika Wheeler, London, England and son, Robert Dotson, Des Moines, WA, his sisters, Rita Lynn Niles, Aberdeen, WA and Connie Hatchel, Prosser, WA and brothers, Robert Dotson, North Bend, WA and Neal Dotson, Seattle, WA, grandchildren, Christy Bauck, Chelsea Dotson, Archie Wheeler, a niece, Misty Kuel and nephew, Greg Hokanson and a granddaughter whose birth he was anticipating. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Kathy Burkett and a nephew, Tony Burkett. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held Friday, August 14, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Fern Hill Cemetery , Aberdeen , Washington . The family invites you to sign the guest book at www.edwardsmemorial.com. Remembrances may be directed to The Veteran’s Administration or The American Cancer Society