Richard was an Orcas Island resident for many years. He was born Aug. 9, 1949 in Colusa, Ca.

During high school he spent 1965-67 with the Civil Air Patrol. After that he became a manager in the restaurant industry, even working for restaurant owner and Oakland Raider, Ben Davidson. Later he worked on nuclear submarines as a painter, and was also sent on missions cleaning and removing hazardous waste in Hawaii and San Diego.

Finally, he moved to Orcas Island following both his mother and sister who were Orcas residents. He became a member of the SAL group American Legion Post 93 and continued membership for 17 years. He worked as a painter until health complications ended his ability to work. In his last years he spent time doing things he loved in the arts. He was very talented and all who met him admired his work and could see how creative he was with his amazing eye for color. Richard passed away peacefully in Mt. Vernon, Washington, Jan. 24, 2017. The Mt. Vernon Lifecare center had become his home, off and on, for eight years, and all who cared for him at the Lifecare center treated him with such love and kindness. They spoiled him over the years, which was easy to do since Richard was such a sweet, kind, loving man. He was surrounded by his family from Bellingham and Orcas his last days, all visiting as often as they could.

Richard was preceded in life by his parents: Ervin Maxwell, California, and Mary Maxwell Hillyer of Orcas, grandnephew Nicholas Laliberte of Orcas. He is survived by: son Michael Maxwell, California, granddaughter Nevaeh Maxwell, California, son Chris Hawkins of Orcas, sister Luanne Maxwell Foster and husband (Wayne), Orcas, nephew Jason Madeiros and wife (Sherri), Orcas, niece Danielle Hamasaka and husband (Martin) of Bellingham, six beautiful grandnieces, one grandnephew and two great grandnieces. Richard will be greatly missed and always loved by those who knew him.