Reynold ‘Reg’ Dickhaus
1920-2012
Reynold “Reg” Dickhaus died peacefully at home on San Juan Island on Oct. 21, 2012. He was 92.
Reg was born and raised in Kentucky; stationed on Whidbey Island as a Navy pilot during WWII; and attended Michigan State College (now Michigan State University), earning a master’s degree in forestry.
Soon after graduation he headed west, leaving behind the Blue Grass State of Kentucky for the abundant forests of The Evergreen State. Reg established Washington roots in Bellingham, where he had a long career in forest management with Georgia Pacific, and after “retirement”, with the Trillium Corporation.
Work and wanderlust took him to the four corners of the globe, but Reg was happiest in this little corner of the Pacific Northwest, especially when spending summers boating in the San Juan Islands with family and friends.
Reg was first and foremost a loving family man, guided by strong convictions, an indefatigable work ethic, and his Catholic faith. Through his example we learned the importance of service to country and community, the power of education and knowledge, and the value of a day’s labor well done.
He introduced us to the pleasures of reading a good book and preparing the day’s seafood catch for dinner. He delighted in sharing ice cream and doughnuts in Roche Harbor with his grandkids. He instilled in us a deep appreciation and regard for the wonders of the natural world. Reg lived a life of no regrets.
Reg is survived by his wife Joan; brother William Dickhaus of Kentucky; sister-in-law Lorraine Dickhaus of Kentucky; four children: Sue Cowan, David Dickhaus, Mary Kurtz, Heidi Kiersky; five stepchildren; John Reinert, Phoebe Vanderboom, Amy Ramstead, Martha Reinert and Jeff Reinert; 14 grandchildren and many loving relatives and friends. His first wife Jo preceded him in death in 1984.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Memorials in Reg’s name may be made to Whatcom Hospice House, 2800 Douglas Ave., Bellingham, 98225, or Assumption Catholic School, 2116 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 98225. You may share memories with Reg’s family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.
— Family of Reg Dickhaus
