December 8, 1921 ~June 28, 2013
Richard “Dick” Pierce Joy was born on December 8, 1921 in Pasadena, CA. His father – Alfred H. Joy was a noted astronomer who worked at the Mt. Wilson Observatory into his 80’s. Richard received a scholarship to attend Polytechnic Elementary and completed his education at U of California at Berkeley with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1943.
While in San Francisco he was fascinated by the ‘Flying Boats’ in the Bay. After graduation he was hired by Pan American Airways as a flight engineer where he was able to fulfill his dream of flying the large seaplanes. During the war he flew the seaplanes that delivered troops and supplies to the South Pacific. After the war he flew the DC-4’s and after many transfers he and his wife Margaret Houghton settled in Seattle and raised 4 children.
He also flew the DC-6’s, the M-130 China Clipper, the Constellation, the B-377 Stratocruiser, the Boeing 707 and finally the 747. After retiring from flying in 1981 he worked for the Pan Am Credit Union and served on its board for 10 years. He also worked as an arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau where he met his 2nd wife, Emilie Adams. He and Emilie spent over 20 years wintering in Cabo San Jose where they enjoyed the rain-free weather.
Richard led a rich full life enjoying camping trips with his family, skiing into his 70’s and riding his bike into his late 80’s. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Emilie; his children Claire (Mark), Frances (Ed), Charles (Lori) and Paul (Christie) and grandchildren: Laura, Adrienne, Felicity, Conlan, Nicholas and one great-grandchild, Madeline. Also, his sister Edith in Grass Valley, CA.
Remembrances may be made to
Plymouth Congregational Church,
1217 Sixth Ave., Seattle 98101. – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?n=richard-pierce-joy-dick&pid=165658393#fb