Richard Dale Walston

Richard Walston, 68, died at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, Washington, on October 14, 2021 of complications from COVID-19. He was a life-time Colville resident and is survived by his wife and a large extended family, both at home and in the trucking community throughout the western US. Richard was married to his wife, Lois Walston, for 35 years. He is survived by his sister, Sue Walston of Merriam, Kansas, and his seven children- Ryan Walston (Valerie), Erin Walston, Lieven Walston (Jessica), Andrea Day (Brandon), Dayna Molina (Josh), Tanner Walston (Kayla), and Ridge Walston (Maia). Richard also has 14 grandchildren, all living in Washington state. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Margaret Walston of Colville.

Richard was the owner of Backwoods Trucking, and had a long history of working with trucks. After graduating from CHS in 1971, Richard completed diesel mechanic’s training at Denver Automotive and Diesel College in Colorado, returning to Colville where he first worked at Bronson Implement, and then as an equipment mechanic at the Arden lumber mill (Plum Creek), where he worked 12-hour shifts for several years with one other mechanic. Richard started his own log hauling trucking business until the decline in the timber industry, when he transitioned to long-haul trucking. He was an owner-operator for over twenty years, and an avid fan of Mack trucks. He was the family car mechanic, and enjoyed listening to old-time country music and blues, watching classic TV, and reading a variety of books in his rare down-time. He and Lois enjoyed a vacation car trip to the Black Hills and Wyoming earlier this summer.

Richard continued the long-time family Grange tradition as a member of Fort Colville Grange No. 533 in Colville, and was a member of the Colville Community (United Methodist) Church.

His family thanks the medical and support staff at Spokane Valley Hospital and Deaconess Hospital for their extraordinary care and compassion during this time.

Hennessey Funeral Home in Spokane has been entrusted with the cremation arrangements. No services are planned at this time. There will be a memorial gathering at a later date for family and close friends.

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