Richard Ivan Schiff died unexpectedly at his home on Raccoon Point on July 4, 2014 at age 67.

Richard was born in New York City on November 25, 1946. He was the son of Murray and Majorie Schiff.

Richard completed his undergraduate studies at George Washington University, medical and graduate studies at Duke University, residency in Pediatrics at the University of Washington, and fellowships at UCLA and Duke.

For many years Richard was on faculty at Duke University and then Miami Children’s Hospital. His passion was the treatment and correction of Primary Immune Deficiency in children. His skill and dedication saved many lives.

In February 2005 Richard joined Baxter BioScience as a Global Medical Director in Immune Therapies where he worked until the time of his death.

Richard and his wife moved to Orcas Island in September 2009. Richard enjoyed many interests outside of medicine including photography, travel, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, hiking and cats.

He was loved by all for his generous spirit and his quirky sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, colleagues and the patients whose lives he touched.

Richard is survived by his wife Sherrie; step-son James Fitzgerald of Yakima, WA; brothers Michael of Sugarland, TX and Robert of Aiea, HI and sisters Deborah Finch of Gaithesburg, MD and Jacqueline Ferguson of Baltimore, MD. He is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-nephews and a great-niece.

In lieu of flowers the family asked that donations be made to Orcas Aviation Association Mercy Flights (P.O. Box 712, Eastsound, WA, 98245) or Alley Cat Allies (www.alleycat.org).

A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Evans Funeral Chapel, 1105 32nd Street, Anacortes, WA.

The memorial service in celebration of Richard’s life will be held at Orcas Island Community Church, 214 Madrona Street Eastsound WA at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 11.