Richard Ackerman Obituary

Richard E. Ackerman passed away at his Richland, WA home on July 26, 2025 with his wife of 25 years and his daughter by his side.

Richard was born on September 28, 1934, to Henry and Elizabeth Ackerman (Hank and Betty) in his family home in Dusty, Washington. A long-time resident of Richland Washington, he moved to the area in 1966 and resided in the same home until his death. Richard spent most of his career working for the Department of Energy, with the last 21 years at Westinghouse. He retired early at the age of 60. He was a long standing member of the Washington Association of Accountants.

Richard joined the Navy not too long after graduating from High School and spent 4 years with stations in San Diego, Okinawa and Adak Alaska. He then worked with his brother Bob building boats until starting college at Washington State University (WSU) in September 1957, graduating with an accounting degree in 1961.

Richard first married Joanne Weeks of Endicott, WA in 1961 with whom he shared 14 years and raised 3 children Henry, Holly and Kami, the family moved to Richland in 1966. They later divorced but remained good friends until her passing. In 2000 he found love again with Piyawan (Ji) and they spent 25 years together; she was by his side until the final days.

Richard spent his early years with lots of time with family, camping trips, boating, fishing and many trips to celebrate occasions with his parents as well as lending a helping hand with his fix-it skills. The family loved what was called the Barge trip on the Columbia River. He bought a cabin at Chatcolet Lake in Heyburn State Park in 1993, an area his parents frequented as well as church camp in the summer. The cabin and boat house needed quite a bit of work, and he spent a good 15 years on improvements. In his middle years he enjoyed frequenting the thrift stores, he has quite a collection of vintage items. He loved September through February for Washington State Cougar and Seahawk football!

He was well known for his selflessness and his generosity to help others; he has quite a tool collection and would often help friends and family fix what was broken.

Richard is survived by his daughter Holly, son-in-law Daniel Garrett along with 2 grandchildren Tyler and Karly and many nieces and a nephew. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, eldest son Henry, and youngest daughter Kami, his brother Bob Ackerman and his sister Janet (Ackerman)Lytle.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to a charity of your choice or as a suggestion, Habitat for Humanity.

Services will be private, and a celebration of Richard's life will take place at a later date for all his family and friends who can attend. You may share memories of Richard at Einan's at Sunset Gardens Funeral home website.