June 5, 1952 - November 11, 2022
Richard Essex Kleaveland was a wonderful brother, compassionate, loving father, and dedicated and attentive son. He was born in Boston on June 5, 1952, the oldest of five sons to Richard and Sally Kleaveland.
Richard spent his formative years in Spokane, attending Roosevelt Elementary School, Sacajawea Junior High School, and graduating from Lewis and Clark High School in 1970. An excellent student, with an analytical and insightful mind and an insatiable curiosity, he received his bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in Anthropology and his master's in international studies from Middlebury College in Vermont. He worked in international finance in New York City, before returning to the Pacific Northwest, where he worked at the University of Washington. After retiring from the UW, he returned to Spokane, where he spent his remaining years.
Richard was a kind and sensitive man, attentive to his responsibilities as a son, brother, and father. For his aging parents, he was always available with a helping hand. As a brother, he was kind and patient, a good listener, with a quirky sense of humor, and a wonderful conversationalist, willing to engage in everything from Chinese history to domestic politics and economics. As a father, he adored his daughter, Kate, always nurturing her curiosity and supporting her endeavors, including becoming a physician, while sharing his love for nature and various arts.
He is survived by his former wife and dear friend, Jeanie Seyfried, his daughter, his 4 brothers, his mother, and many friends.
While he left us too soon, we were all blessed to have had his unique mix of intelligence, humor, and love in our lives. Thank you, Richard.
A remembrance of Richard will be held on January 11th at 11:00 AM virtually (Zoom) and all are welcome to attend. For further details & to share your stories of Richard, please email us at rekleaveland@gmail.com.
Comments