Richard H. Batcheldor, Jr.

Richard H. Batcheldor, Jr. ("ZZ") was born on his grandparent's raspberry farm in Startup, Washington July 21, 1948. He spent many summers picking raspberries and apples there and many happy times exploring - floating down the Snohomish, hauling soapstone from the Cascades, collecting bottles with friends. As a youngster he enjoyed playing at Everett's Clark Park where he began a modeling career for the Everett Herald on a hot summer day eating watermelon on the curb. A move to Lake Stevens brought his shy, subtle humor to a group called the Rowdies as they roamed the halls of the "Pink Palace" (Lake Stevens High School). With his father's guidance, he and friend Mike Watson spent many hours working on various vehicles. The passion for hot rods and older vehicles remained throughout the years and helped shape his life. As he put it, one day he "went to buy a car and came home with a wife" when buying a car from his first wife Pam (nee Odom). They welcomed two daughters, Brenda and Jennifer, enjoyed island life on Whidbey Island and later moved back to Lake Stevens. Richard was a devoted father, attending nearly all his girls softball and soccer games and other important events.

Richard's interest in music led him to many concerts where he set up stages and enjoyed the various bands of the day. The Grateful Dead, ZZ Top, and Tom Petty were among his favorites.

He followed his father's footsteps working various positions at Washington Stove Works. Later he and friend Kurt Hettiger worked at Western Gear. He began a successful stove repair business designing, fabricating, building, and repairing woodstoves on boats from WA & AK to HI, as well as in local businesses and homes. Ultimately, an injury led to a transition to CAD work with WA State DOT and finally to the field as a DOT construction inspector.

After Pam’s death in 1998, Richard met his second wife, Bonnie Campbell thru the online Ovarian Cancer Network support group he frequented. Since then, he pursued his passions for photography and exploring with Bonnie. From Alaska to Midway Atoll, he found joy in each day.

Richard quietly faced the challenges of his journey through COPD, emphysema, and stage IV prostate and squamous cell cancers with immense courage, strength, and incredible determination; never losing hope or sight of his goal to return to health.

His achievements were many - devoted father and husband, soulmate and partner, a kind and gentle soul with a wonderful sense of humor.  With his flowing beard and a twinkle in his eye, he wove stories leaving you wondering was it really true? (Most were.) He loved nature and reveled in a good thunderstorm. So, it is no surprise there was a big one the night of his passing.

Predeceased by parents Rosie & Richard Batcheldor, Sr., brother Robert, first wife Pam, and Aunt Dixie (Wright), he is survived by beloved wife Bonnie Campbell and daughters Brenda Batcheldor and Jennifer Carbo (Ross).

He was reunited with his heavenly father March 9, 2024.

A celebration of Richard's life will occur at a future date.

Memorials preferred to Mayo Clinic (specify Jacksonville & his name) or Samaritan’s Purse in lieu of flowers.