Richard John Judd

Richard John Judd

Loyal. Stubborn. Vivacious. Richard John Judd died Friday, May 2nd. He lived life unapologetically — pouring love as generously as he poured bourbon.

His humor had no filter. His support had no limit. His passion for adventure had no bounds.

Richard believed in living big, not worrying about tomorrow, and showing up when needed. He knew that a good grilled cheese requires a healthy dose of mayo, wine should never be compromised, and road-trips are best enjoyed with the wind in your face.

Richard’s humor was, shall we say, colorful. A skill that lives on through his daughter, Krysta. His laugh filled the room with joy. His road trip skills were as full of twists and turns as his hobbies were vast…

Motorcycles — a passion fed by his dad, Jim, with hours spent restoring Richard’s first motorcycle and riding with him.

Cooking — a love that simmered while preparing dinners with his parents and blossomed into elaborate at-home dinners with his wife, Merry.

Boating — a pastime that began camping and kayaking with his mom and dad, Linda and Jim Judd. It grew during camping trips with Grandpa LeRoy. And it continued on the lakes throughout Idaho and the choppy waters of the Salish Sea he explored with his family.

Hiking and photography — two loves his granddaughters are learning with each trek.

Downhill skiing — a hobby that started during Saturday trips to Schweitzer as a boy. It grew into a beloved family activity, including yearly trips to Whistler.

Calf roping and horseback riding — which he learned from Uncle Forest.

Adopting new passions — a skill that lives on through his son, Garrett, who hasn’t met a hobby he doesn’t like.

He ran a mechanic shop in the heart of Bellevue. A small slice of blue collar honesty where folks either hated Richard or loved him. The shop didn’t make as much as it could. But that’s because he believed in taking care of people first. People knew that. They trusted him because of that. His customers became friends and those friends became family and he was loved. So very loved.

While fixing cars, he met Doug, who ran the shop next door. Over the years, that friendship grew into a cherished family friendship. Doug became Merry and Richard’s motorcycle riding buddy. His wife, Ana, became Merry’s favorite wine taster.

He is survived by his wife, Merry; his children, Garrett (Mikaela) and Krysta; his grandchildren, Penellope and Roslyn; his parents, Linda and Jim; and all of the amazing people he helped over the years.