The Desert Sun <www.mydesert.com> 2 Jun 2009 Richard Atwood Richard Atwood passed away peacefully at his home in Desert Hot Springs, Calif. on May 25, 2009 after a long illness. He is survived by his wife, Carol; brother, Robert; three daughters, Shelly Robin, and Suzanne; three step-children; ten grand children; and one great-grandchild. In 1973, he married Carol and they lived in the Seattle area for 27 years. In 1999, they became part-time residents at Mission Lake Country Club and relocated permanently in 2005. Dick was born in Greensboro, NC on March 22, 1925, grew up in Worcester, Mass., and joined the US Navy near the end of World War II. He graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1948 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked for Boeing Aerospace for over 30 years including work on Apollo 4, Saturn 5, and AWACS. He became ham radio operator while serving in the Navy as a Communication Specialist and it remained a lifelong interest. Flying was another interest and in the late 1960's he flew his Bellanca airplane across country while moving from Florida to Seattle, Wash. Dick was active in several boating organizations and served as Commander of the Agate Pass Power Squadron. He was an active volunteer with the Red Cross and a National Disaster volunteer. After retirement, extensive international travel, long motor home and boating trips became an integral part of life. The family wishes to send a special thanks to everyone at Hospice of the Desert for their loving care over the past two years. Internment will be at Riverside National Cemetery. The Memorial service will be at Riverside with a Celebration of Dick's Life at the family home. Remembrances may be made to Worcester Polytechnic, Worcester, MA or a charity of your choice. Rose Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. 760-251-7673