Obituary of Richard Vernon Sundby

Richard Vernon Sundby, 91, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2020 in Vancouver, Washington. He was born to Hjalmer and Hannah (Toso) Sundby on October 3, 1928, along with his twin sister, in Chicago, Illinois. He was a shy boy who claimed to have walked miles uphill to and from school everyday and who took pride in being Norwegian. He worked on family farms in the area and developed a strong work ethic. Following graduation, Richard moved west and took on a number of different jobs including logging, and met his first wife Norine. He served in the U.S. Army. Afterwards he and Norine settled in Washougal, WA to raise their family. Eventually Richard gave up working as an appliance repairman and as a restaurant equipment salesman and instead followed in the footsteps of his father and brother and began working as a carpenter. He built up his own construction business and ran a snowmobile shop. Richard was a hard worker and a well-known and respected residential and commercial contractor. He was a great craftsman. Richard had a love of the Columbia River Gorge area, snowmobiling, and in his later years he and his second wife Shirley refurbished a number of motor homes and enjoyed traveling around the country. More importantly he had a fierce love of family. Richard had a full, wonderful life and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Richard is survived by his five daughters, Susan (Jerry) Wilson of Wichita, Kansas, Melea Sundby of Camas, Washington, Lisa Sundby of Vancouver, Washington, Lori (Bill) Wright of Vancouver, Washington, Rene (Christine) Sundby of Vancouver, Washington; two sons, Michael (Bernice) Sundby of Camas, Washington, Richard Sundby of Washougal, Washington; as well as seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife of 49 years, Norine (Potter) Sundby; and his second wife of 15 years Shirley (Wren) Sundby; his three brothers and four sisters. During this time of COVID, no service will be scheduled. In lieu of flowers, donations may made to Silver Star Search and Rescue at (360) 998-6454. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown's Funeral Home in Camas, Washington. Please sign his guestbook at www.brownsfh.com.