Born in 1937 in Ramsay, N.J., Dick came by his strong work ethic naturally as a member of a farming family, selling their crops from a flatbed truck on the highway leading into New York.&bsp; His family owned two gas stations, one on either side of the busy thoroughfare; as a youth, Dick traversed the busy highway to pump gas at either station depending on the traffic flow. He never lost that work ethic, and at nearly 72 years of age had never yet seriously considered retirement. He lived life with tremendous gusto, loved to swap stories and lies with friends both old and new, and toasted with enthusiasm each sunset with a glass or more filled with ice and excellent vodka. His many passions included farming, gardening, growing orchids, and he was a devoted sponsor of the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. &bsp;

He entered the Marine Corps at 17, and has been a Marine for life ever since.&bsp; He even shared his birthday with that of the Marine Corps ‐ November 10 ‐ and each birthday celebration was not complete without fanfare and military honors. The American flag flew at his home 365 days/year; there never will be a more dedicated patriot or Marine, and love of country was paramount to him. &bsp;

His love of animals prompted his degree from the Univ of Maryland with the ultimate goal of raising racehorses. Realities of life and parenthood, however, turned him into a salesman. He was a natural-born salesman: quick of wit, gregarious, and with his infectious smile and wink, he excelled no matter what the merchandise might be.

He never lost his passion for horses, and was an excellent equestrian and polo player. He absolutely loved the sport of foxhunting – it allowed him to race fast as the wind across open countryside, with the promise of a gigantic swig from his flask at the end of a great run. He was an avid supporter of the sport, and was a founder of the Green Creek Hounds Hunt Club in Tryon. He has been a member and officer of the local Woodbrook Hunt Club since 1992. &bsp;

He is deeply loved and will be sorely missed by his very large extended family because to know him was to love him: his wife Linda and her children Dan, Matt and Erin of Auburn; daughter Deb Jolly and family Les, Jessica and Renae of Southern California; daughter Cynthia Davis and family Jim, Zachary and Megan of Bonney Lake; former wife Peg and children Frank, Edward, Patrick and Gabrielle of North Carolina; brother Robert and sister-in-law Elaine in Syracuse NY; the families of his niece and nephew Sandra and Steven; plus countless family, friends and business associates from coast to coast.&bsp; He was preceded in death by his first wife Carolyn, father Richard James Secor, and mother Dorothy Secor.

Per Dick&squo;s request, there will be no services at present; the family will instead host a grand celebration of his remarkable life in May.&bsp; In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions be made to the following charity organization meaningful to Dick, providing support to disabled Marine veterans and their families: Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, www.semperfifund.org.

‐ paid obituary