H.H. “Dick” Vlist

- Dick was born to Dutch immigrants Harry and Jennie Vlist in Lewiston, Idaho on April 3, 1926 and passed away on August 22, 2023.

He spent most of his youth in Long Beach, California where he honed his salesmanship skills selling newspapers on the pike. With the Pacific Ocean in view his love of the sea was born.

At the age of 17, with his mother’s permission, he joined the United States Navy, no doubt inspired by his father who at that time was a Japanese POW, and his stepfather who was aboard the USS Nevada on that fateful December day. Dick served his country as a proud sailor in both WWII and the Korean Conflict. Afterwards he began the work which he is best known for, automobiles.

Starting as an apprentice mechanic at Kerr Motors, he began working his way up into sales and before long found his way into management. Eventually he became a partner in that Ford Dealership now known as Dunn Ford. Years later the partners sold the store to Harry Bennett.

It was 1966 and Dick was eager to have a store of his own, so he bought in with Al Buchmann at Al Buchmann Motors in Port Orchard, two years later he bought out his partner and Dick Vlist Motors was created.

Dick married the love of his life, Shirley, and for the next 69 years they enjoyed raising their family, hunting, fishing, boating, collecting antique cars, and so much more.

His community involvement is legendary, he was a member of the Elks, Eagles, Kiwanis, Navy League of the United States, and as a result of many years of volunteering at the Bremerton Navy Museum in 2017 he was named “Washington Veteran Volunteer of the Year” and getting to throw out the first pitch at a Seattle Mariners game. Other accolades include “The Meritorious Public Service Award” presented by the Secretary of the Navy, Washington State Quality Dealer of the Year, decades of “South Kitsap Best Auto Dealer”, “Best of West Sound Auto Dealer” to name but a few.

He is survived by his bride, his sons Richard, Van (Terri), Vic (Kim), Vaughn (Conni), sister Barbara (Lee), 6 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Adrian, and sister Lois.

As per his wishes he will be buried at sea.