Richard J. McGovney
1947 - 2021

McGOVNEY, Richard James

Richard "Dick" James McGovney, age 73. Richard was born August 23, 1947 to Clarence and Edna McGovney of Spokane. Richard is a 1965 graduate of Lewis & Clark High School. Richard was a boy scout and a leader in Demolay. He went on to be a scout leader for his son. He attended Eastern Washington State College and earned a double B.A. in Radio TV Management and Business in 1969. Richard met Sue Richstein their senior year at Eastern and married the 27th of March 1971 in Bremerton, WA. They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary! Richard worked in many capacities. His first job was as a power lathe operator making aircraft parts. His second job was a Sporting goods salesman at Montgomery Wards, then Photographer for Jack Cunningham doing accident photography under his contract with the Washington State Patrol in the Spokane District. His family included at least 3 generations of carpenters who built houses all over Spokane dating back to 1906. He was Carpenter Supervisor for his dad's business C.J. McGovney & Son. He built many things in his life such as more than 20 houses, 3 churches, stores, restaurants and more. Later they transitioned into cabinet work and remodeled buildings like the Paulson, Medical Center Building & O&B Buildings downtown. Later he started his own business, Alteration & Construction Specialists. Then he worked 31 years at Rockwood Clinic as Head of Plant Maintenance at the main clinic and all its satellites until his retirement in 2017. Richard loved making things with wood, photography, fishing, RV'ing and an avid speed reader. Richard has been a long-time member of Spokane Valley United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Sue McGovney of Spokane Valley, his children Kimberley Lackey (Bryan) of Covington, WA and Kevin McGovney of Portland, OR, 4 grandchildren: Nathaniel, Caleb and Elijah Lackey and Maxwell McGovney and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers donations to Spokane Valley United Methodist Church. Richard's Memorial Service will be held Saturday June 26th at 2 PM at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church (masks required). Interment will be at 2:30 PM on June 25, 2021 at the Gardens at Pines Cemetery, Spokane Valley, WA. Richard was greatly loved by his family and friends and will be missed SO much! Thornhill Funeral Home has an online guestbook for him.
Published by Spokesman-Review on Jun. 20, 2021.