Richard A. "Dick" Zender

Dick Zender, age 91 of Deming, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2014 at St. Francis in Bellingham. He was born November 27, 1922 in Bellingham to Jacob and Catherine Zender. Dick married Elizabeth “Betty” Provost on January 1, 1943 in Lynden. Dick served in the U.S. Navy as a gunner on a Merchant Marine ship during WWII. Baseball was an important part of Dick’s life. He and his eight brothers won second place in the semi-pro National Tournament in Wichita, Kansas as the Deming Loggers. Dick also played with the Bellingham Bells and for one year as a pro with the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Along with his brothers and brothers-in-law, Dick co-owned Zee Brothers Logging in Deming. Dick’s highest priority in life was his devotion to Betty, his wife of 67 years. Betty passed away on October 20, 2009. Dick was also preceded in death by daughter Virginia Sauve, son Daniel Zender, grandson Rod Zender, brothers Pete, Bernard “Bee”, Nick, Jacob, Dan “Spike” and Jim. He is survived by son Steve (Kathy) Zender, daughter-in-law Mary Zender, son-in-law Steve Sauve, siblings John (Celine), Lawrence “Red” (Bev), Mary Williamson and Kay (Denny) Cox, grandchildren Chris, Tony, Rick, Bryan, Kristen, Eric, and Shannon, 13 great-grandchildren, and a loving extended family. The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Francis for their wonderful care of Dick for the past two and a half years. Vigil Service Wednesday, June 11th at 7 PM, Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, June 12th at 11 AM with a reception following, all at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Deming. Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, the Deming Log Show, or the charity of your choice. Fr. Gary Zender and Fr. Emilio Gonzalez will be concelebrating.