Richard “Dick” Stickney
Port Townsend, Wash.
Jan. 28, 1939 - May 12, 2017
Port Townsend Youth Baseball and Football says goodbye to “Coach” Dick Stickney. Richard “Dick” Carl Stickney, longtime resident and youth sports proponent, passed away at his home in Port Townsend on May 12th with family members by his side. Since the early 1990’s, Coach Stickney was a mentor and friend to literally hundreds of young boys and girls through his support, coaching and administering of Little League baseball and football in Port Townsend. Always there to teach the fundamentals, have a laugh or console his players as needed, Dick felt they were all “his kids”. When a player couldn’t afford the fees, cleats or gear he gladly paid for it out of his own pocket with no expectation of being repaid. In fact, over the years he spent more than $100,000 on “the kids” with his own funds. When a player needed a ride to and from practice or a game he gladly obliged. Beyond coaching he served in various administrative roles as well where he could be a strong voice for the youth.
Born January 28,1939 in Yakima ,WA to James and Alma Stickney of Gleed, WA, he joined four brothers, Marvin, James, Donald, Michael and one sister, Roberta. During his childhood, his family moved around a bit and settled in Tacoma, WA where he attended Clover Park High School. In March 1958, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy serving from Norfolk, VA until March of 1962. In June 1962, he reenlisted to serve in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii until July of 1966, and honorably discharged. It was always his wish to serve on a ship, but his assigned duties were land based installations. After the Navy, he worked as a telecom specialist on the Marshall Islands atoll of Kwajalein until 1975 when his contracted job ended. He moved to Port Townsend to join his sister Roberta and brother in law already living in the area. While attending a local picnic, that he met and fell in love with Eleanor Imislund Cadero. He was employed at Crown Paper manufacturing , later to be known as Port Townsend Paper. His career was cut short by an industrial accident. He then worked part time as a medical transcriptionist for local doctors.
While watching his grandchildren get involved in local sports in the mid 1990’s, he chose to get involved with youth baseball and football with the urging of Bob Madden, local resident and graduate of Port Townsend High School. It turned out to be a life’s passion for him. He is survived by his loving wife Ellie, his sister Roberta, five step children, eleven grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and 2 more on the way so far!
In lieu of cards or flowers, Dick would have loved it you were to donate your time, money or help to our communities various youth sports organizations and in particular Little league Baseball and Football. Catch a game, eat a burger and cheer on “the kids”. P.S. He had a “Master of square dance “ Certificate!
Donations can be mailed to PTLL Baseball or PT Youth Football @ PO Box 357 Port Townsend, Wa 98368. Please make out a separate check for each sport.
A celebration of his life will be held on June 10, 2017 at the Hwy 20 Roadhouse Restaurant from 1-3 pm.
