Richard was born to Shioji and Matsu Yamamoto on September 4, 1922 and passed away on December 31, 2013. He spent his entire life in Spokane, Washington and was a graduate of Lewis and Clark High School in 1941. While in high school, he was an avid athlete. His friends remember him being a strong swimmer, an active Boy Scout, and a football offensive linesman. However, his main passion was judo and was a sounding member of Spokane Seiki Kan Dojo and a life member of the U.S. Judo Federation. Dick's dedication to judo earned him his 7th degree black belt, a level rarely achieved by judokas. He was a highly regarded judo representative on the local and national level. Over the course of his 60+ years in judo, he taught hundreds of students and earned certification as a national referee.
He worked in construction as an electrician and eventually became the electrical inspector for the city of Spokane. During his career and retired life, he was a 60+ year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and a member of the local electrical union #73. He was a member the Highland Park United Methodist Church and member of the Spokane chapter of the Japanese American Citizen League.
He is survived by his wife, Kazuye, and children, Dale (Louise), Karen (Mark), Clyde (Elaine) and DeAnn; sister-in-law Kimi Yamamoto; 6 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild and other extended families. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Edward and Floyd Yamamoto.
The family would like to say a special thanks to the staff at Harbor Crest Senior Living Center and Hospice of Spokane. They were instrumental in Dick's care as he battled lymphoma in his final days. There will be a private family memorial service at a later date. Inurnment will be held at the family niche at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in Bellevue, Washington.