Thursday, April 25, 2024
Richard Paul Ansel Sr., 87, peacefully passed away in his sleep, Tuesday, May 8, 2018. He had spent the day and evening reminiscing with his two daughters. He was born on September 11, 1930 in Cimarron, Kansas. As a teenager, he moved to Chelan, Washington and met the love of his life, June Kent.
They were married on November 9, 1947. In 2017 they celebrated 70 years of marriage. He would frequently say, “I’d marry you all over again”.
They moved to Bremerton in the 1950’s, where he worked for the Navy Ship Yard. They returned to Chelan for another 6 years before permanently moving back to Western Washington. He studied to be a horticulturist. He worked for the University of Washington and Malmo Nursery, prior to owning his own nursery in Bothell, Wash.
One of his favorite jobs later in life, was working for the Forest Service in Twisp Wash., an area where his family spent many years camping and fishing.
Later they operated Creekside Camping in Concrete, Wash., for about 15 years, before retiring and moving to Monroe, Wash.
He was an avid reader and storyteller. His storytelling was an art. You never knew if they were true or not, because they could be so outrageous. Oddly enough, most of them were true. Because of his vast knowledge and mastery of conversation, he was often looked to for advice. He had a big heart, a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh.
He was preceded in death by his wife, June Kent Ansel, their oldest son Rick Ansel and 13 siblings. His is survived by his sister, Martha Haspany, his children, Duane Ansel, Jane Janes, Patti Hanson, 13 grandchildren and 12 great grand kids.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and so many stories. He will be forever missed.
There will be a graveside service, July 16, 2018 at 11 a.m., at the Fraternal Cemetery in Chelan
