By Barbara Reid, Special to The Mirror

Richard C. “Rick” Bragg died Oct. 24, 2007, after a battle with cancer, leaving his community mourning the passing of an extraordinary man.

He lived and worked in Federal Way for more than 30 years, developing his reputation for hard work, community commitment and personal and professional integrity. His death leaves a giant space to fill in the life of Federal Way.

Rick was born Aug. 30, 1938, in Oakdale, Neb. He was a prominent member of the organizing committee for Federal Way Family Fest in the early 1990s, and stayed on board as the annual event grew into a citywide celebration and renamed Festival Days a few years ago.

He also joined a few other businessmen to create Federal Way’s hometown Washington State Bank, serving on its board of directors for 10 years. Tony Teabeau, founding president of the bank, has spoken of Rick’s passion for Federal Way and the need, as a banker and as a volunteer, to realize how important the larger community is to the life of all its residents.

Rick was involved in trying to gain a hospital for Federal Way, and as a member of the St. Franciscan Fellowship, joined forces with a group of individuals to see that Federal Way could build its own hospital. St. Francis Hospital is now the mainstay of our medical care system in our part of South King County.

Rick’s ability to communicate effectively started with his early career as a newspaperman in Pasco and with the West Seattle Herald, followed by publishing local telephone directories throughout Western Washington. He brought to all his volunteer efforts the same high professional standards evident in all his business dealings. He was known for his incredible energy, community commitment and that his word was good in all things.

Bob Hitchcock, president of Festival Days, referred to Rick as “Our rock. He was dedicated to making the quality of life in the community he served better.”

Jim Cron, past president of the former Family Fest board, was a friend and neighbor. He described Rick as someone who was always willing to help out the community regardless of the scope or size of the project.

Mary Ehlis, founder of Family Fest and its executive director for many years, knew of Rick’s West Seattle and White Center activities and started recruitment efforts for Family Fest. It was known that Rick knew who was a really reliable carnival operator. Her effort was successful and Rick became the man to see about carnivals, helicopter rides, petting zoos and inflatable toys.

Rick was an accomplished and happy man, able to achieve all that he did with the support and help of his wife, Marilyn, and the love of his children Steven, Richard, Dano and Rani. He is also survived by three grandchildren Tiffany, Giovani and Clayton; four sisters; and a mother-in-law, Margaret.

At his request, no memorial services were held.