Obituary of Richard James McCorkle

Our beloved dad, son, brother and friend, Richard James McCorkle passed away peacefully on March 17, 2023, at the age of 70 in Shoreline Washington with his longtime partner, Susan Burkland, by his side.  Richard passed on his favorite holiday, St. Patrick’s Day, fitting for an Irishman.

Richard, one of four children, was born to Helen and Jack McCorkle in Seattle in August 1952 and spent his entire life living in Seattle.  After graduating from Ingraham High School in 1971 Richard spent time fishing in Alaska, worked the docks in downtown Seattle and then pivoted, becoming a stockbroker for National Securities, and retiring in 2016.  Richard loved the beaches of the Puget Sound, “cruising” the backroads in his 1968 classic Volvo with his beloved dog Brandy and watching any and all forms of the news and weather (like incessantly).  In retirement he loved spending time with his partner Susan, gardening, reminiscing, and feeding the neighborhood birds and stray cats.

As a dad to Brian and Shelly, Richard was fun, a practical joker who taught kindness and acceptance.  Brian and Shelly will always remember fondly annual trips to Lake Chelan, doing “donuts” in Richmond Beach parking lots when it snowed, and watching Wall Street Week while learning about the stock market.  Always the life of the party, Richard had many friends, never judged, and was always there to lend an ear or help a friend in need.

Richard is survived by his partner Susan Burkland, sister Laurine Hatch, brother Bill McCorkle, daughter Shelly Irvine, and son Brian Irvine.  He was preceded in death by his parents Helen and Jack McCorkle, and his sister Cheryl Schaffa.

Richard did not want a service, but we all know he would never miss a good party, which we will plan in the coming months.  His ashes will be spread in the Puget Sound, flowing to the familiar beaches (Carkeek, Golden Gardens, Richmond Beach, Edmonds and many others) that he so loved.