March 27, 1936 - February 26, 2014

Richard passed from this earth on Feb. 26, 2014 after a brief illness. He was 77.Richard was born on March 27, 1936 in Hubbard. He graduated from North Marion High School in 1954. He served in the Navy. He married Joann Meyer on Aug. 10, 1963. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past August. He earned degrees from Oregon College of Education and the University of Oregon. He worked in special education in Portland, Lake Oswego and North Clackamas before serving as head of the Special Services Department at Portland State University.Richard is survived by his wife, Joann, three children and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Blandina Sonnen, and his sister Donna Crooks.Funeral mass is scheduled for April 11 at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and on April 12 a memorial celebration at Bill’s Chicken and Steak House at 2 p.m. both in Vancouver, Wash.

For contributions and donations contact Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home, Vancouver, Wash. at http://www.hamiltonmylan.com.