Richard Ernest Kennedy, “Nice Ride Rich”, a long-time resident of Kirkland, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2017 at Evergreen Hospital surrounded by his family.

He was the son of Austin “Burl” Kennedy and Lydia(Knoblich) Kennedy of Oak Harbor. His parents moved to Whidbey Island from McLean County, N.D. in the 1930’s.

Richard was born in Coupeville and was a 1963 graduate of Oak Harbor High School. He moved to Seattle in 1964 and graduated from Edison Technical School (n.k.a. Seattle Central College), with a 2-year degree. After enlisting in the Navy Reserves in 1966, he went on active duty between October 1967 and December 1968, and was honorably discharged in 1973. During his activation, he served aboard the USS Decatur (DDG 31) and the USS Benner (DD-807).

While in school in Seattle, Richard landed a job at Hansen’s Lamp and Shade. In 1969, Richard opened Kennedy’s Lamp and Shade in Bellevue as a sole proprietorship. He operated it for 43 years, retiring in 2012. His brother, Earl, spearheaded the remodeling project at the 106th Ave. NE location, and would occasionally stop by to drop off custom-made lamp bases.

Richard is survived by his daughter Krista Joy Kennedy (Todd Shaver), grandsons Eric and Adam Shaver, of Lynnwood; brother Earl W. Kennedy (Flynn) of Kirkland; nephews Kevin A. Kennedy of Richland, Kyle W. Kennedy (Nicole R.) of Mukilteo, and niece Janelle Kennedy Everson (Keith) of Tacoma. He was married to Nancie Hansen (deceased), Marly Baker Kennedy (divorced), and Linda Gross Johnson (divorced).

His beloved friends at Market St. Restaurant and Bar: Casey, Scott “Gonzo”, Kristin, Rich, Megan, Amanda, and others will miss him.

Hobbies: riding his 2004 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, driving his 1994 Black Rose Metallic Corvette Coupe, and boating in his 1978 Sea Ray 24’ boat.

Organizations: Fraternal Order of Eagles in Kirkland, and VFW Post #2995, Redmond.