Richard C. Armstrong Jr. died on May 11th, 2019 after a 3½ year battle with cancer. He was 72 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard C. Armstrong and Edna Armstrong Wolever.
Dick grew up in Auburn, WA. As a boy he loved sports and excelled at baseball, football and basketball. His summers included a monthlong trip to his grandparents’ farm in Missouri where he helped with the chores, learned to drive a tractor, hunted squirrels and swam in the Black River. Those trips, along with the experiences of farm life, left him with cherished, lifelong memories. In high school Dick learned to play the drums and formed a band with his friends that played at local parties and school dances.
At a young age Dick began working summers on the construction crews for the family business, Armstrong Homes. After graduating from Auburn High School in 1965 he attended Highline College, where he studied marketing and business. Dick joined his dad to proudly carry on their vision of providing high-quality housing. He took an integral role in the business and remained active for 54 years, to the end of his life. Dick was well respected by employees, customers and colleagues.
Dick and his wife Audry were married in 1982 in Roche Harbor, Washington. They raised their four children in Dash Point in Northeast Tacoma. Dick loved to sail, and the family spent most summers on a sailboat in the Puget Sound and in the San Juan Islands, giving his children treasured memories of fishing, crabbing, playing on beaches and swimming. He shared his love of sports with his kids, and he coached their baseball and fast pitch teams from Little League through high school. Dick’s first priority was his family, and his steady devotion and faithful care for them will be missed.
Dick is loved and survived by his wife, Audry, children Stacy (Tom) Mallory, Richard Armstrong III, Katie (James) Whiteland and Abby Armstrong, grandchildren Blake (Kyla), Grace, Penny, Boaz, Lillian and Ezekiel, and great-grandson Weston. Also, his sisters Mickie (John) Williams, Gayle (Jerome) Kroke, and brother Jim (Marissa) Armstrong.
Dick was anchored by his relationship with Jesus, and he was committed to his church family.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a ministry that was important to him. Gifts may be given online to Dope Church (wearedopechurch.com) or checks may be made out to Dope Church and sent to 3623 44th Street Ct NE, Tacoma WA 98422.
We will celebrate Dick’s life on May 31st at Marine View Presbyterian Church in Northeast Tacoma. The service will begin at 11:00am.
