Obituary of Richard Louis Schwary

Richard L. Schwary

Richard was born to Mickey and Hazel Schwary and was raised in Camas. He graduated from Camas High School, attended the University of Portland, University of Oregon (graduating Phi Beta Kappa) and continued to New York University Stern School of Business, under a scholarship, to earn his MBA.

Following graduation from NYU he returned home to Camas to assist his parents in managing their grocery store and the “One Stop Shopping Center” that his parents built in 1948. At a young age he had a love for music and his interest in 40's and 50's tunes led him to KVAN radio where he had a show "Nine-Ten Band Box." It was there that he met his wife to be Sandra Loy with their love of music bringing them together. They were married October 29, 1955 at St. James Cathedral inVancouver Washington. They had 68 plus wonderful years of life and music together. They settled in Camas after their marriage and raised four children that all reside in Washington and enjoy the beauty of being close to family.

Moving on from the grocery business he then owned and operated the Western Auto store. During this time his entrepreneurial spirt was fulfilled with inventions: Film Off, Speed Drain, and Water Sweep. Next came property development projects and businesses in the Camas/Washougal area. He built the Brass Lamp, apartments and mini storage complexes. With a group of investors he started the Washington State Bank, a radio station KLRK and the local CH10 Fox on tv. He continued his entrepreneurial passion by creating numerous registered patents for his inventions.

He had small and big bands and created the "Dick Schwary Big Band." Over the years they played at: Alderbrook Park, The Quay, Hilton New Year's Eve gala's and two governor Inaugural Balls! He was quite the trumpet player!

He served on the Clark College Board, was President of the Community College Association, and SWIFT board. He and Joyce Garver, helped start community concerts in Camas. 

Richard was an avid snow skier and boater, he loved to engage his family in those adventures! He will always be remembered as a kind, patient, loving husband, father, Gramp and GPop to his large family. 

His passing leaves a void that's hard to fill. The love of his family and his zest for life sustained him through his illness to the end. He is survived by his wife Sandra Schwary. Children Kris (Robert) Hieronymus, Karin Fakler, Kathy Alyssa (Jimmer) McDonald and Steve Schwary. 

Grandchildren: Alicia (Michael) King, Heather (David) Kesmodel, Phillip Myers, Kala and Jarred McDonald, Aidan Schwary, Adam (Jenny) Hieronymus, Eric Hieronymus, Pam (John) Hieronymus.  Sisters Joanne Fletcher, Connie (Joe) Rishwain and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mickey and Hazel and granddaughter, Karly McDonald.

We are grateful to all the caregivers from Center Well Home Health, nurses and doctors from The Vancouver Clinic/PeaceHealth and the staff at Prestige Rehab. Also, to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who visited and gave so much support and loving care, especially in his last weeks of life.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a charity of choice.