Dick died October 11, 2007. He was born June 25, 1926, in Lancaster, PA. Dick grew up in in Lancaster graduating from Lancaster Mennonite High School. He was drafted into Civilian Public Service in November 1944. In the spring of 1945, he was accepted to the CPS-103 smokejumper unit at Missoula. Dick made seven practice and seven fire jumps during that season.

Upon his discharge, he returned to Lancaster and worked as an auto parts clerk with the John Landis company until his retirement. "Exemplifying the character of a faithful, dependable husband and father has been an important contribution I have made, so says my wife and children."