Richard Noel Aijala, 80, of Tacoma WA passed away on July 10, 2025.

Rich was born on December 21, 1944, in Luton, Bedfordshire, England to Felix "Finn" Walter Aijala (serving in the US Army Air Force stationed in England) and Mary Annie Harris of Paulerspury, Northamptonshire, England. At age one, he and his mother immigrated to the USA, joining Felix in Ely MN.

Rich graduated from Ely schools, and the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He married Sheryle Gattke at the Kennewick WA First Lutheran Church in 1969.

Rich worked at Boeing Renton and Everett, retiring after 35 years. While at Boeing, he appreciated the opportunity to work with, and mentor, younger colleagues to support their personal and professional growth. During the layoffs of the 70's, he briefly worked as a metallurgist for US Steel in Mountain Iron, MN. Rich was a longtime volunteer at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, and, for a short time, Juanita High School.

He enjoyed his children, his grandchildren, his pets, and his '70 Mustang Mach I. Rich is survived by his wife, Sheryle Aijala of Tacoma; daughter, Teri (Chad) Griepp of Rancho Murieta CA; son, Randall Aijala of Shelton WA; granddaughters, Ashlyn and Makenna Griepp of Seattle WA; brother, Bill of Minneapolis MN. Rest well, Rich.

Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery, Kennewick WA. At his request, no services will be held.