Richard Donald Fosso

Richard Donald Fosso
Jan. 18, 1959-Sept. 1, 2023
Eldest of 3 sons born to Donald and Barbara Fosso in Everett, Rick passed peacefully on
September 1, 2023, in Marysville. Adventurous from a young age, Rick would be the
first to climb the largest tree in the woods behind the Oak Harbor family home He
appointed himself the neighborhood track coach, bought a precision stopwatch from the
jeweler with his newspaper route money, and timed all the kids sprinting the woods trail
loop—always ensuring that he was still the fastest sprinter. He later could be found
exploring the backwoods of Island and Skagit Counties when he was old enough to drive
and get stuck “four wheeling’ with his first truck, a rare two wheel drive Navy surplus
Ford Econoline pickup. As a teen in the 1970’s, he often entertained his cousins at
family gatherings by showing them how to do humorous prank phone calls at a time
when that was still considered innocent fun. Later, he ventured to Alaska with his father
and brother Steve to fish the Alaskan salmon grounds which began his career aboard
various crabbers, processors and tugboats. He earned a merchant marine license. He set
the record for most hours worked in a week aboard the legendary F/V Billikin. He loved
Alaska and weathered some of the toughest Bering Sea storms long before “Deadliest
Catch” was a household name.
As a man of adventure, he camped and fished for weeks off the grid. Later on, he did so
with his trusty old travel trailer in tow. After pushing hard into mid-life, he accepted that
God was telling him to slow down. He moved to downtown Anacortes and lived a quiet
life. He was an avid reader of the Bible and enjoyed pioneer exploration books. Often he
was found at the library checking out yet another book and reciting its details to others.
He had a memory like an elephant for local and family history. Until last year, he still
managed to enjoy biking and hiking along the Anacortes waterfront. Despite health
problems, he gladly helped disabled neighbors with their groceries and doctor
appointments until he suffered acute kidney failure from toxic side effects of medical
treatment in late 2022.
Rick is survived by younger brothers Steve (Kori) of Anacortes and Dan (Yuli) of
Fernandina Beach, FL, his niece Lauren (Nove) and their sons Thor and Zephyr, nephew
Kyle (Samantha) & daughter Bailey, Knute (Kait) and their daughters Havyn and
Reverie as well as numerous loving relatives and old friends.
Special thanks are due to Kim Gustafson, several caregivers and his Hospice team. A
memorial date is pending and his ashes will rest in Oak Harbor at Maple Leaf Cemetery
next to his parents Don and Barbara. Memorials may be given to Children’s Health
Defense or the charity of choice.

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