BOMBER MEMORIAL

RICHARD DEAN "RICK" CHANDLER ~ Class of 1984
August 27, 1965 - January 7, 2023



Richard Dean "Rick" Chandler, 57, of Richland left us way too soon on January 7, 2023, in an automobile accident. We celebrate Rick and a life well lived. He was known by many for his infectious smile, kind heart and outstanding umpiring skills. Born on August 27, 1965, at the old Kadlec Hospital in Richland to Charles F. (Chuck/Charlie) and Sandra G. (Sandy) Chandler, he was the youngest of five children.

In his younger years, Rick was an avid basketball player, playing at Carmichael Junior High School, AAU travel teams and ultimately as a proud Richland Bomber graduating with the Class of 1984. He later attended Washington State University.

Rick married Stephanie (Weimer) Chandler and together they had Kyle Dean and Blossom Zachary Dale. He was a dedicated father who loved his boys unconditionally. In their younger days, you could find him supporting Kyle at baseball games or track/cross country meets. Zach was an accomplished actor, performing in a variety of plays throughout Richland and at Hanford High School. Rick helped out as he was able by working behind the scenes on sets for many plays. He was very patriotic and took pride in supporting Kyle's service in the Naval Reserves, often seen wearing his Navy hat or t-shirts. We can almost hear him saying from heaven, "Damn the Torpedoes!" or "Go Navy, beat…."

In his mid-twenties, Rick had a work-related injury that impacted his life. Though not to let the injury limit him, he went on to become a widely acclaimed softball umpire, traveling throughout the West officiating tournaments from Washington, Idaho, Southern California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and several other states. Rick had an incredibly engaging personality and never met anyone that he couldn't hold a conversation with. Though he loved all sports, umpiring softball was his passion.

He truly had a servant-heart, and his love and devotion to Sandy and Charlie was admirable. He was committed to seeing that his folks were taken care of later in life as they had cared for all their kids when they were younger.

Rick is survived by his wife, Stephanie; his sons, Kyle (RHS) and Blossom (HHS); his brother, Chuck ('78) (Susan); his sisters: Susan ('77) (Barrie) Steele, Beverly ('79) (Leon) Turner and Joan ('82) (John) Toptine; and many nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by both of his parents. His dad, Charles "Chuck" Chandler ^Sr, passed away August 15, 2017. His mother, Sandra "Sandy" Chandler, passed December 11, 2020.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a local softball field later this Spring.

View and sign the Einan's guestbook.

Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).