Final Salute

Rick was born on July 25, 1946, in Rupert, Idaho, to Roger and Marjorie Armstrong. He was the second of nine children. Rick spent his early childhood in Rupert until 1955, when the family moved to the Tri-Cities. In 1961, they relocated to Issaquah, Washington, where Rick graduated from Issaquah High School in 1964. He later earned an Associate in Arts and Sciences from Bellevue Community College in 1971.

In 1966, Rick enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served as a Navy Seabee during the Vietnam War. His service was recognized with several honors, including the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, and a Letter of Commendation from his Commanding Officer of U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 128.

Following his military service, Rick built a career as a diesel engine technician, where he worked for many years at Spokane Diesel before retiring in 2010.

Rick was known for his love of simple pleasures-especially his “happy hour” on the porch, where he enjoyed a glass of whiskey, a cigar, a small fire, and the company of his wife, Karen, along with neighbors and friends who often stopped by for conversation and camaraderie.

Rick married Louise McEwen in 1969, and together they welcomed their daughter, Aimee, in 1973. He later married Karen Hill, and the two spent many happy years together as best friends and partners in life. Rick and Karen shared a love of travel, often exploring the United States and visiting historic sites and museums. They also had a deep passion for fishing, taking every opportunity to be on the water or plan fishing trips. Rick especially enjoyed sharing this passion with friends and neighbors, often inviting others along as an excuse to fish more often. He also enjoyed supporting the Tri-Cities Walleye Club and the Coastal Conservation Association efforts.

Rick is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Karen; his daughter, Aimee Armstrong (Casey Cline); and his stepchildren, Kevin Hill (Patricia), Ken Hill (Julie), and Kim Hill (James Hernandez). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Avery and Logan Cline; Sean McKinney (Kelsey); Crocket Hill (Cami); Reva Berdette (Justin); Kayla Durglo (Jason White); Klarin Durglo (Brandon Sizemore), Katie Revis and Ashley Diller (Dakota) as well as fourteen great-grandchildren.

He is further survived by his siblings: Robert Armstrong (Linda), Rex Armstrong (Denise), Joy Hesselbarth (Dennis), Roger Armstrong (Ann), Alice Hendrickson (Dave), and Russell Armstrong (Janet).

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Marjorie Armstrong, and his brothers, Reed and Ronald.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 14181 N. Glade Road, Eltopia, Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or Tunnels to Towers (t2t.org).