Enrique "Rick" Cruz died suddenly on August 20, 2015 after catching a salmon on Driftwood Beach in Coupeville. He was 72 years of age.

Rick was born in Piti, Guam on November 26, 1942. Following high school, he joined the Army and retired after almost 24 years of service. During his time in the military he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and many other commendation medals for his service to our county in Vietnam.

After retiring from military service, he continued to serve as a firefighter for the Federal Fire Department in Guam. After a second retirement, he and his family moved to Oak Harbor in 2004.

He is survived by his wife, Rose; children Franklin (Young) Cruz, Doris (Richard Littlefield) Nieves, Brian (Sandra) Tainatongo, Derek, Aaron, and Alan Tainatongo, Dometila (Zachary) Lizama and Jessica (Vanderick) Tedtaotao. Also surviving are siblings Helen Chargualaf, Alfred Chargualaf, Raymond (Carmilita) Cruz and Maria (Manuel) Cruz.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 28 at 9:30 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Rev. Paul Pluth as Celebrant.

A complete obituary will follow.

Affiliations

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Bronze Star
Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Purple Heart Award from the U.S. Military
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Vietnam Service Medal