Richard Carl Atwood

Richard (Rich) Carl Atwood, 78, of Seattle, WA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 11, 2024.

Born in Westchester County, NY, on June 4, 1946, to Bernard and Joyce Atwood, Rich was the third of four children. After graduating from Scarsdale High School in 1964, he attended Cornell University, where he received his master’s degree in industrial engineering in 1969.

Shortly after graduating from college, Rich moved to Norwalk, CT, where he began his career as a computer engineer in the burgeoning information technology industry. During this time, he married and welcomed his first child. In 1975, following the end of his first marriage, Rich moved to London, where he traveled extensively throughout Europe for work. Years later, he returned to the U.S., married Susan Case, and together they started a family, settling in McLean, VA.  When Susan was diagnosed with colon cancer, Rich juggled career and family responsibilities, while offering unwavering love and support until her passing in 2000. In 2010, Rich moved to Santa Fe, NM to begin his retirement, eventually moving to Seattle, WA in 2018.

Rich was a man of many passions and interests. An accomplished Bridge player, he achieved the rank of Life Master. In mid-life, he discovered woodworking, crafting beautiful furniture for his family and skillfully building a deck for his home. A true aficionado of the arts, Rich was an avid concertgoer, a dedicated art collector, and a museum enthusiast. In his early retirement years, he enjoyed playing golf with his brother, and he continued to cultivate his love of music by taking piano lessons well into retirement.

After moving to Mirabella Seattle, Rich quickly became an integral part of the community. He participated in Bridge tournaments and Poker Night and was an active member of both the Art Committee and Parkinson’s Support Group. A lifetime dog lover, Rich could often be seen walking his beloved dog, Lulu, around Mirabella grounds.

Rich will be fondly remembered for his good-humor, quick wit, and love of learning. His warmth and friendship touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Rich is predeceased by his wife, Susan; his parents, Bernard and Joyce; and his brother, Robert. He is survived by his children Erica (spouse: Don Macheca), Sarah (spouse: Chris Black), and Jonathan; his grandchildren Violet, Ruby, Harvey, and Mazzy; his sister, Ambika, and his brother, James.

A celebration of life will be held on October 26 at 3:00 at Mirabella Seattle. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation.