Oslin, Erick Richard

Erick Richard "Dick" Oslin died on February 13, 2010 at 
Cascade Vista Care Center, Redmond WA. Born on 
February 28, 1922 in Bellingham, WA to Erick Leander 
and Anna Augusta Oslin, natives of Sweden, he was 
raised in Ferndale, WA where he graduated from Ferndale 
High School and was selected by the faculty to be 
commencement speaker. After attending the University 
of Washington for three years, Dick enlisted in the U.S. 
Army and served as a 1st Lieutenant Navigator, part of 
the 8th Air Force Squadron in the 493rd Bomber Group. 
Stationed in England, he flew 33 combat missions in B-
17s over enemy territory, survived two crash landings 
and on one occasion was forced to bail out over enemy 
lines. Dick received numerous military honors, including 
the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, European 
Theater of Operation Ribbon with three battle stars, a 
Presidential Citation and a Purple Heart. He lived his life 
with gratitude, amazed that he survived World War II 
when so many of his friends perished, and out of respect 
for their sacrifice. While Dick was awaiting his military 
discharge at Ellington Field, Texas, he met Helen 
Cvengros who captured his heart "at first sight." They 
married a year later and moved back to Seattle. There, 
Dick returned to the Penney Co. where for the next 40 
years he was promoted through the ranks, to store 
manager, ultimately being offered Northgate Penney's, 
the largest store in Penney's 1700 store chain at the 
time. Dick held numerous leadership roles with the 
Chamber of Commerce and Rotary International 
(recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow), presided over the 
Northgate Hospital Board of Directors and served as an 
active member and lay leader in the Methodist Church. 
Dick was a most generous, devoted and loving son, 
husband, father, brother and friend. He was a member of 
Overlake Country Club, where he golfed for "fun not 
expertise." He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, reading, 
watching sports, and following the financial world on TV. 
Most of all, he loved having his family and friends gather 
at his home," and slipping his grandchildren $5 with a 
wink to go and buy themselves a treat. Dick is survived 
by his wife Helen and three children, Sherrie Mill (Doug), 
Marianne Hales, and Ric Oslin; his grandchildren, Jeff and 
Brian Mill, Dawn Husmoe (Brent), Heidi and Michael 
Peterson, and Chloe and Ellie Oslin; and two great 
grandchildren, Julianna and Jaelyn Mill. He is also 
survived by three sisters, Evelyn Norman (Wes), Dorothy 
Peterson and Catherine Lantrip (Harry), nieces and 
nephews. A memorial service celebrating Dick's life will 
be held at the First United Methodist Church of Bellevue 
on Saturday, February 27, at 2:00 PM. Remembrances 
may be made to First United Methodist Church of 
Bellevue's Emergency Feeding Fund or Pastor's 
Discretionary Fund (1934 108th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 
98004) or The Salvation Army. Please visit his website at 
www.sunsethillsfuneralhome.com. 

Published in The Seattle Times on February 18, 2010