Dr. Richard A. Rettig passed into eternal life on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. He was 87. Born in Seattle and raised in Bothell, Washington, Rettig was a 1953 Bothell High School graduate. In 2023, he was inducted into the Northshore School District's Wall of Honor. Richard received a B.A. from the University of Washington (1958) and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1968). He held faculty appointments at three universities. He was a staff member of the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences. His longest tenure was as a Senior Social Scientist at the RAND Corporation.

Before graduate school, Richard became vice president of the National Student Association, then president. Next, he became NSA international representative. He toured the world speaking to and listening to students regarding their perceptions of the U.S.

He became a tireless researcher and author on medical technology and government healthcare, specifically cancer and kidney failure. His focus was on how these forces could be harnessed to improve peoples' lives. The questions Rettig raised and the points he made in his writings and in his testimonies before Congress regarding the National Cancer Act of 1971, the use of medical therapies before they are clinically proven to be effective, and the increasing spread of dialysis/kidney transplantation helped set the stage for major expansion of federal financing of these medical technologies. In 1993. Rettig was elected to the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

In 2005, he retired to St. Augustine, Florida, and became involved in both church and larger community. At Memorial Presbyterian Church he was strengthened by his faith and engaged in Christian Education as well as various leadership roles. He was active in The 40th Accord, a group honoring Civil Rights workers and their history locally.

He was compassionate and generous, a family man and true scholar.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Marisella Veiga; his daughter Kirsten (Curtis Scott), his son Mark (Greta); and two grandchildren as well as brothers Jim (Jan), Jerry (Nancy) and Edward and many nieces and nephews. Surviving in-laws are Glenna Veiga, Luis (Suzi) Veiga, Juan (Marjorie) Veiga, and Carmen Rodes Veiga.

Service at Bothell United Methodist Church in Bothell, Washington, on August 26 at 10;00 a.m.