Richard "Rick" Gene Pedee

Richard ‘Rick’ G. Pedee

August 4, 1948—April 13, 2025

Rick went home to his Maker early Palm Sunday morning after a courageous and uncomplaining 10 year battle with various cancers and, finally, the effects of his chemotherapy. Rick is survived by sisters Cheri Pedee of Prosser, Roberta Downey and brother-in-law Calvin of Seattle, brothers Ron Pedee and sister-in-law Christine of North Bend, WA and Bruce Hubbert and sister-in-law Donna of Bend, OR. Also by his beloved nieces Ronda, Jessica and Anna. Rick was great-uncle to seven of his niece’s children, ranging in age from 20yrs to the latest at 1 year. Rick’s family was dear to him, as he was to them.

Rick was born in Sunnyside, WA to parents Allan Pedee and Dorothy Jean Pedee. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-parents Alton Anderson, Ad Koch, and Nancy Pedee.

Rick attended schools in Sunnyside and in Bellevue, WA, graduating from Newport High School in 1966. After trying some college in Hawaii (generally a distracting choice for a young man) Rick joined the Army in 1968 and served our country in Special Operations as a Green Beret. After service Rick spent some years as a King County Sheriff’s Deputy before starting a successful career in the Auto Parts business with his father Allan at Valley Auto Parts in Sunnyside and Grandview, WA. He purchased the business in 2003. Rick sold Valley Auto Parts in 2016 and retired to do more of the activities he enjoyed.

Rick was an excellent golfer and made many friends on the golf links and around the golf club. He was also a passionate pheasant and dove hunter here in the Yakima Valley in the Fall. He was ‘Dad’ to several German Shorthair Pointers over the years, including Coco and Rummy who shared Rick’s zest for bird hunting. The annual ‘Toast to the Dogs’  with his friends began each hunting season as a salute to many beloved canines they had hunted over.

Las Vegas, NV was a regular destination for Rick, as he enjoyed the urban environment and entertainment there and his very successful passion for video poker. A fountain of generosity. Rick treated many of his friends and family to a week in Las Vegas or other locations of the Hilton Vacation Club venues each year.

Rick had many dear and close friends—too numerous to name here. They will be recognized at Rick’s Sunnyside Memorial Service. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Sunnyside, WA. Any gifts in remembrance of Rick Pedee should be donated to the charity of your choice.    Those wishing to sign Rick's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard "Rick" Gene Pedee, please visit our floral store.