Richard Allison Shrum, BHS 1962Columbia Basin Hearald, Columbia, Washington, May 15, 2025
Richard Allison Shrum passed away May 4, 2025, at the age of 81, in his home in Moses Lake, Washington. Richard was born March 22, 1944, in Van Nuys, California, and grew up in Burbank, California.
Hardworking and dedicated to his education, Richard was the first Shrum family member to graduate from Long Beach State with a bachelor of science in engineering. He began his career as an industrial engineer with Kaiser Steel and finished his career as a project manager at Southern California Edison.
Richard married the love of his life, Phyllis, on Oct. 23, 1993. They shared many adventures in life, including traveling the world and seeing places like Italy, Ireland, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada and many more.
Upon retiring from Southern California Edison in 2003, Richard and Phyllis moved to Moses Lake, Washington, purchasing a lakefront home. Here, they made many memories as the lake house was often a gathering place for family, friends, and loved ones. Favorite activities included spending hours on the lake fishing, boating, pulling the grandkids on inner tubes and jet-skiing.
All who knew Richard described him as clever, kind, wise, goofy and caring, and he was a father figure to many. He spent his time exploring the outdoors, golfing, fishing, boating, gardening and cooking.
Richard is preceded in death by his mother, father and two brothers. He leaves behind his wife, sister, nieces, nephews, child, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many other adopted family members who called him "Dad," "Papa" and "Santa."
His life will be celebrated at Alliance Church, 1100 N. Grape Drive, Moses Lake, Washington, on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2 p.m.
Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at https://bit.ly/RASHRUM. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.