Rich Kruse passed away April 5, 2016 at the age of 61 after a courageous fight with cancer. Rich was born in Seattle, Washington on November 22, 1954 to Bob and Betty Kruse.

He graduated from Ballard High School in 1972. After high school, he began his long, successful commercial fishing career. He got married in 1981 to Kim (Thompson) and was married for 26 years. They settled in Seattle and raised 4 children.

Rich enjoyed life. He loved to camp, fish, golf, hunt and be with family. He will be greatly missed.

Rich was preceded in death by his wife Kim, father, Bob and mother, Betty.

Rich is survived by his children, Brett 33 (Melinda), Adam 31, Erik 29, Shelby 25, and sister Nancy Awamura (Kyochi), 10 nieces and nephews and 2 granddaughters Monica 4 and Leah 4 months.

There will be a celebration of his life on May 1, 2016 from 12pm-5pm at the Ballard Elks Lodge, 6411 Seaview Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98117.

Published in the Ballard News-Tribune section of the Westside Weekly, April 22, 2016.