The Logger great, Rich Van Volkinburg, passed away Friday, 8 April, at the age of 70. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, 23 April, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Hoquiam.
Rich told Chris that what he was dearly hoping for, was that there would be a •big• presence of the Green & Gold at his wake.
All Loggers, if it is at all possible for you, to set a choker, and get to Hoquiam on 23 April, for Rich.
At Aberdeen High School, Rich was an All-State defensive end in 1969. At UPS, he was an immediate impact player, and was ultimately a four-year letterman.
In 1972 and 1973, Rich’s play at nose guard won him AP Little All-America honorable mention recognition, and he was also named Little All-Northwest 1st-team defensive interior lineman.
In 1973, Rich’s teammates voted him team co-captain, and after the season elected him Most Inspirational. In addition, in the spring of 1974 he was selected as co-winner of the UPS Athletic Department’s 1973-’74 John Heinrick Award for Most Inspirational Varsity Athlete.
In 1994, Rich was inducted to the Logger Hall of Fame (along with the legendary coach, and post-War player, Bob Ryan). He had a long career as a teacher and coach in the Aberdeen public schools, and many old colleagues and students have spoken movingly of how important he was in their lives, and what a loyal friend he was.
Rich was a Green & Gold Logger to his depths. In our project here of nurturing and maintaining Logger community and traditions, he was enthusiastic, and greatly helpful, over many years. He enriched so many lives, and we are deeply grateful to him.
=============================
• Richard K. Van Volkinburg Jr. ’74 •
Hall of Fame; Logger Captain;
Most Inspirational;
Logger Athletics Most Inspirational;
Little All-America; Little All-Northwest
7 Nov. 1951 - 8 April 2022
There Walks a Logger