Richard “Dick” Behrens of St. John, Washington, passed away at 77 years of age, surrounded by family, on February 4, 2026, at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, Washington, after battling Leukemia. A celebration of life was held February 21 at the St. John Community Building.
Dick was born on March 25, 1948, at Coulee Dam Hospital to Richard and Joyce Behrens, growing up in the Grand Coulee, WA area. He graduated from Grand Coulee High School in 1966 and attended Western Washington University, before it was a smart school, as he would say.
He spent 34 years at the St. John School District, where he served as Teacher, Principal, Athletic Director, and Coach of many sports. He then spent nine years in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, as Middle School Principal.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, and coach. He loved sports, especially playing golf, and managed to finish 48 Bloomsdays in a row. He also enjoyed serving the community he loved, spending time on the Museum, SJE Schools’ Foundation Scholarship, and WIAA boards.
He is survived by his wife, Candy; two children, Zach (Charlene) and Spenser (Libby); two grandchildren, Axel and Anastasia; sister, Cathy (Moe); and brother, Greg (Judy); along with the rest of the family and the many students and athletes whose lives he touched over the years.
He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. John Museum, Golf Course, or Schools’ Foundation Scholarship. Corbeill Funeral Homes of Colfax is caring for the family.