J. Richard Pace

J. Richard Pace "Dick", born April 26, 1933 died November 6, 2003 in the loving 
company of his family. 

Although he died in peace, he lived his life as an ardent competitor, avid W.S.U. 
Cougar fan, indomitable spirit and was one of those "larger than life" characters to all 
who knew him. Dick graduated from Washington State University and in 1958, his love 
of outdoors took him to Alaska in the early days of the legendary Alaska Seafood 
Industry. In 1974 he founded Universal Seafoods, now UniSea and was the President 
and C.E.O. until his retirement in 1998. During his career, Dick was a prominent 
member and Chairman of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association, Chairman of the 
Alaskan Seafood Marketing Institute and recruited to serve on more governmental 
committees than anyone can list. As part of giving back to his community, Dick served 
as Chairman of 'Campaign W.S.U.' for the College of Agriculture and Home Economics 
that raised millions in gifts and private grants for teaching, research and scholarships. 
Dick and his wife Judy loved to take their yacht from the Southsound to S.E. Alaska to 
fish and explore the beauty of our region. 

Dick, born to Cenia and Bernie Pace in East Wenatchee, WA in 1933, was preceded 
in death by his beloved son John Pace in December of 1999; sisters, Joy Gill and 
Thelma Brisbine; and brother William Pace. 

He leaves behind his wife of 43 years Judy; daughter Heidi; son-in-law Ruben Davalos; 
granddaughter Raquel; daugh-ter-in-law Lisa Pace; granddaughters Nicole and 
Danielle; sister Norma Hanson; brother Cliff Pace; and many nieces and nephews. 

Throughout his life, Dick Pace believed in the courage of his convictions which he 
often expressed passionately. He loved his family fiercely and his many thousands of 
employees over the years were always glad to have "Dick on their side". Abraham 
Lincoln once said "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's 
character, give him power". Dick was a leader all his life and an icon in seafood 
industry, but he always used his influence to the greater good. He was generous of 
both spirit and substance and will be dearly missed by his family, his friends and 
business associates. Rest well Dick, you earned it. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any memorials be made to Seattle Fishermen's 
Memorial or the Washington State University Athletic Department. 

Services will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 1:00pm at Our Savior's 
Lutheran Church, 215 Mukilteo Bvld., Everett, WA.

Nov 9, 2003
Everett Herald