In honor of a life that left footprints of love.
Obituary
Richard Walton Calvert, Sr.
June 26, 1935 – August 21, 2025
Richard Walton Calvert, Sr., beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025 at the age of 90.
Born on June 26, 1935, at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., Richard was the son of Lottie and George Walton Calvert. He grew up in Arlington, Virginia, alongside his sister Clare, and later welcomed his youngest sister, Marjorie.
Richard attended James Madison Elementary and Avondale Country School before returning to public school at Swanson Junior High and graduating from Washington-Lee High School. He went on to begin his engineering studies at the College of William & Mary where he met Helyn Marie King and completed his engineering degree at the University of Virginia.
Richard began his career at his father’s air conditioning company, confidently aspiring to match the salaries of the top engineers of the day—an ambition he soon achieved. His engineering career later took him across the country to Seattle, where he led major projects, including designing the mechanical systems for the Seattle Airport Marriott Hotel. Known for his ingenuity, Richard also lent his expertise to community projects, including improvements at the Renton Bible Church, where his upgrades to the HVAC system greatly enhanced the comfort of the congregation.
A lifelong adventurer, Richard discovered his love for sailing early in life. His sailboat, Blue Chip, carried him on many memorable outings on the Chesapeake Bay. In 1964, he joined a sailing expedition covered in The Washington Post, demonstrating resilience and seamanship when storms and leaks forced the crew to turn back. In Seattle, Richard was brave or was it crazy enough to sail his 39’ Nauticat, the Astarte, from his home base at Shilshole Bay to the San Juan Islands through the treacherous waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Richard’s passion for the outdoors extended well beyond sailing—he loved playing basketball, golf and tennis, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and camping, and enjoyed these pastimes with family and friends.
Richard’s personal life was as rich as his professional one. With his first wife, Helyn Marie King, he raised three children: Lambert, Richard, Jr. (Ricky), and Catherine (Cathy). He later married Hilda Richardson, embracing her children—Steve, Carolyn, and Cindy—as his own. Richard and Hilda shared a deep love for music, dance, and the Hawaiian Islands, often filling their home with jam sessions, hula gatherings, and joyful celebrations. Richard and Hilda were proficient tennis doubles teammates, having bested his two athletic sons, Lambert and Ricky, in well over 50 matches. They belonged to tennis clubs in the Washington, D.C. area, Seattle and Hawaii and many of their competitors would all suggest hitting the ball to Richard, not to Hilda if you wanted to have a chance of winning. Before moving to Kent WA, they lived on Alki Avenue which has amazing views of the Olympic peninsula to the west and downtown Seattle across the bay to the North. Hilda and Richard also spent a lot of wonderful times with friends and family in their cabin in the mountains. After Hilda’s passing in 2015, Richard rekindled a friendship with his high school classmate, Helen Shoemaker, and together they played a lot of golf together and built a warm and loving life in Temple Terrace, Florida.
Richard was also known for his love of music—his spirited rendition of “Hot Rod Lincoln” is remembered fondly by family and friends—and for his lively political discussions. Though firm in his convictions, he lived out his faith through kindness and a genuine love for others, always prioritizing the commandment to “love thy neighbor.”
Richard is survived by his partner in life’s final chapter, Helen Shoemaker; his children Lambert, wife Jamie and their child Dakota, as well as Lambert’s children from his first marriage, Walter (Beau), Richard (Ricky) and Brittany; Richard Jr. (Rick), wife Wende and their children Connor, Kate, Karsen and stepson Austin; his daughter Catherine (Cathy); his sister Marjorie, her partner Louie and son Phillip (Phil); his stepchildren Carolyn, husband Steve, daughter Suzanne and stepson Jeremy; Cindy, husband Gerard; and, many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Clare, his beloved wife Hilda, and her son Steve.
Richard’s life was defined by curiosity, resilience, service, and love. Whether charting storms at sea, solving complex engineering challenges, playing sports, sharing music and laughter, cultivating deep and lasting friendships or teaching his family to appreciate the outdoors, Richard left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
With love and as Richard would say, “Aloha”.
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Please join us to pay a last tribute.
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to the wonderful person. While we mourn the loss of our dear, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
4100 Steilacoom Blvd. S.W.
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-584-0252
Celebration to continue in the fellowship hall with food, Drinks and FriendsHIP following the service
Temple Terrace, FL 33617
813-988-3514
Per DAD's Wishes we will drop a flower bouquet in the
Chesapeake bay at Pirpates cove and Another Bouquet south of Kent island.
This event is a 33 mile boat ride from the Marina Located below. Dress CODE is jeans, t-shirt and jackets based on weather. THe Limit is 20 people, sign up with Lambert Quickly! 925-324-8397
7364 Edgewood Road
Annapolis MD, 21403
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