Richard A. Satterberg
July 29, 1931 - May 12, 2008
Obituary
Richard A. Satterberg
Dick Satterberg , 76, died on May 11 from pancreatic cancer at his home in Shorewood. Dick lived a life filled with abundant blessings, in life, the law, and in love.
Love: Dick married Carol Lund, his Wenatchee High School sweetheart and debate partner, moved to the Seattle area, and was showered with love from this extraordinary woman for more than 50 years. They built a home centered around their two careers, three kids, and enduring love. After Carol’s sudden death in 2004, Dick was fortunate to find a loving and loyal friend in Diane Whipple, and spent the last years of his life traveling and enjoying life with Diane. Dick’s and Carol’s children, Karen, Dan and Shelley, grew up to appreciate the nurturing home in which they were raised, led by parents who were kind, wise and committed to each other.
Law: Dick was proud to be an attorney and spent a 35-year career serving the diverse needs of the people of White Center. He also served his country in Korea, and as a reserve officer in the Air Force JAG corps, attaining the rank of Colonel. He practiced law with humility, honor and dignity, using his creative intelligence in service of his clients. Dick’s commitment to the law inspired his son Dan to follow his path to the UW Law School. Dick fought his illness long enough to be able to see his son sworn in as King County Prosecutor last December.
Life: Dick’s second great passion, after his family, was his boat. He and Carol spent nearly each summer of their life together cruising the great waters of British Columbia and Alaska aboard their boats, first the Double Jeopardy, then later SeaQuester. They never tired of boating, fishing, or each other on these long nautical adventures. Dick and Carol also traveled to Europe, Asia, South America and many times to Hawaii, even circumnavigating the globe on one trip. They decided early in their marriage to see the world together, and perfected the art of inexpensive travel.
Dick also loved being a grandfather, relishing time spent with James, Katie and North. Dick is survived by his sister Zoe Wolfberg, and his children Karen Marty Tull, Dan Linda Norman and Shelley Belisle.
The family is grateful to all who treated and cared for Dick during his courageous 14-month battle with cancer, especially his loyal caregivers James Shelton and Flo Gichamba.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at John Knox Presbyterian Church, in Normandy Park on Saturday May 31st at 1 p.m.