OBITUARY: Rick Syson passed away March 30 at his Normandy Park home

Richard David Syson
April 27, 1935 – March 30, 2023

Rick Syson passed away on March 30, 2023 at his Normandy Park home.

He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother.

Rick was born on April 27, 1935 in Piscataway, New Jersey to Joseph and Margaret Syson. He had a brother Douglas (Charlotte) and sister Jan (Dallas) Folk. Upon graduation from High School he joined the Air Force. Stationed in Moses Lake, WA, he regularly traveled to Seattle with friends. It was where he met his lifelong sweetheart Joy. They were married on October 6 and celebrated 66 years of love and laughter together. Together they had three children Vikki (Daniel) Villedas, David (Mary) Syson and Kathy (Rene) Nieto.

Rick was blessed with 12 grand children: Tyler, Joelle, Krysta (Josh), Bradley (Lindsay) Lexi (Clint), Andrew, Carley (Corey), Zachary, Nicholas, Alexander, Jenessa and Alaina. He was adored by his 17 great grand children Savana, Emily, Kaydence, Kaelyn, Aubrielle, Briar, Alister, Hartley, Anacely, Charlotte, Delaney, Peyton, Teegan, Paisley, Finley, Juliana and Jordin. He was loved by numerous nieces and nephews. He was greeted in heaven by son David, grandson Nicholas, great grandson Hartley and Brother Doug. 

Rick was a lifelong member of Southgate Masonic Lodge, was a Scottish Rite Mason, a Nile Shriner and Past Associate Guardian of Job’s Daughters in Burien. He retired from US West Communications, where he served as Fleet Manager.

Rick made everyone feel welcome and was quick with a joke, a warm hug and a smile. He was the first to lend a hand and always loved a big gathering of family and friends.

Remembrances can be made to his favorite charity The Nile Shrine (6601 244th St SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043).

A Memorial Service will be held this Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Southgate Masonic Center (1005 SW 152nd Street, Burien).

Rick will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. on April 24, 2023.

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