Richard Dewey

Madison - Richard "Dick" Dewey died peacefully in his sleep on July 13th, 2014 at Wynwood Assisted Living-West in Madison, WI. Dick was born to Lawrence and Alice Dewey on January 17, 1929, in Pasadena, CA. He moved with his family and ultimately graduated from Madison West High School where his met his true love, our mother, Barbara Groves. They married while earning their respective degrees from UW-Madison. Dick found employment with the Boeing Company and worked in the commercial jet division during the great post-war boom years. Dick and Barb helped contribute to this period, producing and raising four children-baby boomers. During the sixties, Dick began working for the family business, PBP (Professional Budget Plan) which became SYCOM in Madison. Dick happily retired early as general manager. He was generous to a fault. He was a fair and gracious man who used teachable moments long before the term was coined.

Dick and Barb traveled extensively throughout the world during their retirement. Taking copious slides, pictures and (jeez) many, many videos, Dick chronicled their travels. Dick and Barb enjoyed these carefree times; whether having a cocktail out on their deck at home or the decks of their Florida home or the dock at their cottage in Boulder Junction, with their children and grandchildren and their many friends.

Dick and Barb's life changed dramatically with a diagnosis of leukemia nearly twenty years ago. Failing health, including the words from his hematologist to "get your affairs in order", prompting Dick to begin his life as a human guinea pig. He was accepted into the MD Anderson clinical drug trials. Amazingly, the chemotherapy trial was an immediate success. Although the daily chemo kept the leukemia at bay, it still affected Dick's appetite and general vigor for life. He never complained or questioned why him. He had great resolve; in the same breath he was one of the most stubborn two legged animals to roam this earth. He was capable of shutting down a conversation with a single utterance of, "NO". No further discussion was needed!!

With Barb's passing in February, 2013, Dick reached a new low. His wife of 61 years was gone. We all expected him to quit the struggle of living with a broken heart, yet somehow he reached down one last time and began the last chapter of his life while a resident at Wynwood Assisted Living facility. His Wynwood family, including residents and caregivers were wonderfully supportive and gave Dick a sense of belonging. Of course he thought he looked younger than everyone there. Go figure! Dick had difficulty talking about his beloved Barbara after she died...he was just heartbroken. Still defiantly stubborn but heartbroken.

Dick is survived by his children, Lynn (Randy) Maertz, Stoughton, WI and their children Kim (Harry) Corcoran, and Stephanie (Shannon) Lang, Lisa Dewey (Kevin Osgood), Abiliene, TX and her children, Whitman Dewey-Smith, Corwin (Natalie) Dewey-Smith, Richard G. Dewey (Sally), Green Bay and their children , Alex Dewey, Kelsey Dewey, Lauren Dewey, great grandson Evan and Jane Dewey (Jason Cronin), Madison, AL and their daughter, Jamie. Dick's brother Lawrence (Nancy) Dewey, Madison.

Dick's parents, Larry (1976) and Alice (1977) and his younger brother, Robert (2008) precede him in death.

Dick would suggest this obituary is much too long. He gives us no choice as he requested, in writing, double underlined, that there would be no service. His quote was, "dig a hole and throw my ashes into the ground". We will follow his direction, with a slight detour. At this point Dad would say, "Put it on the calendar". Mom and Dad's ashes are destined to be spread together one summer's eve off of an unnamed dock in Door County...God speed Dad...and Mom! We love you and miss you.

The family cherishes the help and love that the staff of Wynwood provided for the past 2-1/2 years. In addition, the weekly visits from Dick's brother Lawrence were much appreciated . Bob Lay thanks for your visits as well. Many blessings for all who helped provide some normalcy to our father during a very difficult time in his life. Thanks so very much.

Family asks that memorial donations be made to donor's desires.