Rich and Ashlee Lindquist

Ocean Shores Community Club Profile - Rich and Ashlee Lindquist - Helping Others to Live Fully By MARLENE THOMASSON
It is rare to meet someone who has lived such a full life at such a young age, but then Rich and Ashlee Lindquist could be considered unique in many ways.
Both grew up moving from place to place. Rich was born in Long Island, New York and Ashlee was born in Sacramento, California. Each spent time here and there and didn't settle until they lived on the Snake River. Ashlee lived in Lewiston, ID and Rich lived across the river in Clarkston, WA. This is where they met.
Rich had spent six years in the National Guard and was trained as a mechanic. He later went to school to fine tune that instruction he had. Ashlee attended college too, majoring in Business Administration.
They married and settled in Sandpoint, Idaho, Then Rich had a great desire to hit the road and help others. Both spiritual people, this couple felt a divine tug to do this. So they packed up their travel trailer, along with their eight-year-old daughter Hannah and hit the road. "We saw eight states, put 8,200 miles on the RV in a year and a half and only had to pay for four nights of camping," said Rich. Okay, did I mention he is thrifty too?
As they traveled they went where they were needed. Several stops they worked as camp hosts. They have interesting stories of some of the folks they met. Also, how they had to corral tumbleweeds which blew everywhere during a fierce storm. "Did you know those things have sharp thorns on them?" asked Rich with a grin. Other stops along the way led them to work at a Guest Ranch, a Horse Rescue Ranch and a mission in Salt Lake City, Utah. They have worked with autistic children, homeless folks and abused animals. Hannah even helped to break a French burrow who was ill treated. All along the way they said they felt led by the Lord.
On the way up to see his dad who lives here in Ocean Shores, Rich said he had some trouble with the converted school bus they were now traveling in. A wrong turn and Rich heard a grinding sound. Further inspection showed transmission fluid running out on the ground. Not good. But, after Rich tore things apart he discovered all that was needed was an "O" ring, which costs a few dollars.
In that year and a half, the Lindquists saw a lot. Probably more than most of us. After their visit with his dad they wondered what was next. In a quiet moment, Rich heard a question and an answer at the same time. "Why are you looking to go places to help folks when you can help them right here." They stopped traveling and put down roots.
I first got to know Rich and Ashlee while at a Lions Club meeting. He gave a report on the work he was doing at the Senior Resource Center. Rich has volunteered to manage medical equipment which can be loaned out to those who need it. For example - you know someone who has had a stroke. They are home from the hospital, but could use a walker to help them stay mobile. Rich is the guy to call.
So how did he get into this line of work? Apparently, for a time he was considering becoming a pastor. He attended meetings at Shores Fellowship where the pastors gathered to share what was going on in the community and how best to help. There he met Alice Hedges, then pastor of the United Methodist Church. Alice was very aware of the Senior Resource Center because it was set up in the church's building. Every Tuesday and Thursday the doors were open for folks to enter and get information or services they need. At the time the church had a 10 by 12 storage shed crammed with items which could be used for rehabilitation purposes.
"I have a passion for helping people," says Rich. Here he could do that and the need appeared to be great. One of the first things he accomplished was to help build a wheelchair ramp for Keith Mogle of the Congregation Beth Adonai.
As he pondered whether or not to become a minister Rich was troubled. Tending to a specific "flock" was a huge commitment. He wasn't sure he could do that. That, is when he discovered a profound lesson.
"We need to respond to the Call, not the Need," he said. "There is a big difference."
Not immune to tragedy, Hannah, who had turned nine, died four years ago. She was visiting her aunt in Ellensburg, Washington at the time. Ashlee explained her sister called and said Hannah was complaining of a bad headache. Hannah laid down hoping the pain would go away. Her aunt checked on her and found she wasn't breathing. Neighbors, both an RN and paramedic rushed to her side to perform CPR.
Hannah was airlifted to Harborview and Rich and Ashlee rushed to her side. The diagnosis was grim - Brain AVM (arteriovenous malformation). Rich and Ashlee had only enough time to sit and pray with their daughter before she died. They say their faith even grew larger that day.
Ashlee said the hospital there had a marvelous program where you can make hand prints of your loved one to keep. They did so and clipped a lock of her hair. Then they had her organs and skin harvested to help other people in need. The Lindquists learned that two people can now see through Hannah's corneas. One in Seattle and the other in Portland.
Hannah's mother says she was wise beyond her years. "She had developed her own language," she said with a smile. "Tomorning meant tomorrow morning and Yesternight was last night."
Their home is full of good memories of Hannah, but also with pictures and moments with Rich's daughter Jennifer and their grandson Declan. Jennifer, her husband Harrison and Declan live close by. They spend time together often.
Rich is currently trying to raise funds for the North Beach Senior Resource Center Medical Equipment Program. He currently has an account set up at Go Fund Me: www.gofundme.com/nbsrc. His goal is to raise $10,000. With that he can take their non-profit status further to become a 501c3 so he can set up a bank account for donations.
Much of what he currently does, rent of storage facility ($180 a month), gas to pick up and deliver equipment and parts to repair equipment comes out of his pocket. He's not complaining but some days the needs are greater than the green in his wallet.
"My goal is to continue this work," he said. "I like to see people utilizing the equipment to get them up and moving. They are not letting their hardship keep them down. One woman called recently. She needed help because she literally wore the wheels off her walker. I'm happy to help people stay mobile."
To that end, Rich is working on a prototype wheelchair with his good friend Jay Schryer. Jay uses a wheelchair to get around. He has learned they are somewhat restricting. "We are building an off-road power chair which is still able to go through a doorway when you come home."
Rich explained Jay has gotten stuck more than once trying to get around and do things other people take for granted. Once, while down on the beach he ended up stuck and a large wave got him.
Rich calls this invention the Adventure Chair. It is four-wheel drive and mountain bike tires are used for traction. Batteries are in the back to keep it stable and the person sits in the front. Each wheel is articulated and functions separately from the others. The project moves along as they try it out and then Rich tweaks it to make it better.
"I'd like to get this one completed and working and then build more," said Rich. "Wouldn't it be fabulous if we could start an Adventure Chair manufacturing plant here and employ people who are marginalized?"
Rich admits sometimes people look at him a little funny. "I see a newer model of a wheelchair and become very interested to check it out. I want to say, `Hey, what are you driving there?'"
Both Rich and Ashlee say they have seen many people in their life who have had struggles. "Sometimes others convince them they are broken," says Rich. "It gets stuck in their head and then they believe it."
Instead this couple says whatever is impeding a person, they need to be encouraged to change their attitude towards it. "You can accomplish what you want to do," says Ashlee. "It may not be easy, but you can do it."
Ashlee should know. When she was ten years old doctors told her she needed to stop riding her horses because she was going to be dead in a few months. Ever so silently a tumor had been growing in Ashlee's brain. Surgery removed the tumor, however the radiation treatments damaged part of her optic nerves. She is considered legally blind, but this doesn't stop Ashlee. True she cannot drive, but she can do a lot, and does.
When she walks, especially in an unfamiliar place, she takes her cane with her. Rich also walks ahead so he can guide her around potential problems. She still enjoys hikes and remembers fondly when she, Rich and Hannah hiked areas around the Grand Canyon. "I was able to go for a while, but I know when I need to stop."
Community Club members Rich and Ashlee believe the Community Club is a wonderful asset. She would like to start swimming in the near future. They both say they would like to go more, but with their busy lives they often forget. In the new year they hope to get to the club more.
To learn more about the Adventure Chair, or the Medical Equipment, you can call Rich at 360-591-5313, email him at [email protected] or write him at 762 Edgewood Ave NE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569. You may also contact him to donate medical equipment, or funds for the repairs on these tools which people use to enhance their mobility.
It is rare to meet someone who has lived such a full life at such a young age, but then Rich and Ashlee Lindquist could be considered unique in many ways.
Both grew up moving from place to place. Rich was born in Long Island, New York and Ashlee was born in Sacramento, California. Each spent time here and there and didn't settle until they lived on the Snake River. Ashlee lived in Lewiston, ID and Rich lived across the river in Clarkston, WA. This is where they met.
Rich had spent six years in the National Guard and was trained as a mechanic. He later went to school to fine tune that instruction he had. Ashlee attended college too, majoring in Business Administration.
They married and settled in Sandpoint, Idaho, Then Rich had a great desire to hit the road and help others. Both spiritual people, this couple felt a divine tug to do this. So they packed up their travel trailer, along with their eight-year-old daughter Hannah and hit the road. "We saw eight states, put 8,200 miles on the RV in a year and a half and only had to pay for four nights of camping," said Rich. Okay, did I mention he is thrifty too?
As they traveled they went where they were needed. Several stops they worked as camp hosts. They have interesting stories of some of the folks they met. Also, how they had to corral tumbleweeds which blew everywhere during a fierce storm. "Did you know those things have sharp thorns on them?" asked Rich with a grin. Other stops along the way led them to work at a Guest Ranch, a Horse Rescue Ranch and a mission in Salt Lake City, Utah. They have worked with autistic children, homeless folks and abused animals. Hannah even helped to break a French burrow who was ill treated. All along the way they said they felt led by the Lord.
On the way up to see his dad who lives here in Ocean Shores, Rich said he had some trouble with the converted school bus they were now traveling in. A wrong turn and Rich heard a grinding sound. Further inspection showed transmission fluid running out on the ground. Not good. But, after Rich tore things apart he discovered all that was needed was an "O" ring, which costs a few dollars.
In that year and a half, the Lindquists saw a lot. Probably more than most of us. After their visit with his dad they wondered what was next. In a quiet moment, Rich heard a question and an answer at the same time. "Why are you looking to go places to help folks when you can help them right here." They stopped traveling and put down roots.
I first got to know Rich and Ashlee while at a Lions Club meeting. He gave a report on the work he was doing at the Senior Resource Center. Rich has volunteered to manage medical equipment which can be loaned out to those who need it. For example - you know someone who has had a stroke. They are home from the hospital, but could use a walker to help them stay mobile. Rich is the guy to call.
So how did he get into this line of work? Apparently, for a time he was considering becoming a pastor. He attended meetings at Shores Fellowship where the pastors gathered to share what was going on in the community and how best to help. There he met Alice Hedges, then pastor of the United Methodist Church. Alice was very aware of the Senior Resource Center because it was set up in the church's building. Every Tuesday and Thursday the doors were open for folks to enter and get information or services they need. At the time the church had a 10 by 12 storage shed crammed with items which could be used for rehabilitation purposes.
"I have a passion for helping people," says Rich. Here he could do that and the need appeared to be great. One of the first things he accomplished was to help build a wheelchair ramp for Keith Mogle of the Congregation Beth Adonai.
As he pondered whether or not to become a minister Rich was troubled. Tending to a specific "flock" was a huge commitment. He wasn't sure he could do that. That, is when he discovered a profound lesson.
"We need to respond to the Call, not the Need," he said. "There is a big difference."
Not immune to tragedy, Hannah, who had turned nine, died four years ago. She was visiting her aunt in Ellensburg, Washington at the time. Ashlee explained her sister called and said Hannah was complaining of a bad headache. Hannah laid down hoping the pain would go away. Her aunt checked on her and found she wasn't breathing. Neighbors, both an RN and paramedic rushed to her side to perform CPR.
Hannah was airlifted to Harborview and Rich and Ashlee rushed to her side. The diagnosis was grim - Brain AVM (arteriovenous malformation). Rich and Ashlee had only enough time to sit and pray with their daughter before she died. They say their faith even grew larger that day.
Ashlee said the hospital there had a marvelous program where you can make hand prints of your loved one to keep. They did so and clipped a lock of her hair. Then they had her organs and skin harvested to help other people in need. The Lindquists learned that two people can now see through Hannah's corneas. One in Seattle and the other in Portland.
Hannah's mother says she was wise beyond her years. "She had developed her own language," she said with a smile. "Tomorning meant tomorrow morning and Yesternight was last night."
Their home is full of good memories of Hannah, but also with pictures and moments with Rich's daughter Jennifer and their grandson Declan. Jennifer, her husband Harrison and Declan live close by. They spend time together often.
Rich is currently trying to raise funds for the North Beach Senior Resource Center Medical Equipment Program. He currently has an account set up at Go Fund Me: www.gofundme.com/nbsrc. His goal is to raise $10,000. With that he can take their non-profit status further to become a 501c3 so he can set up a bank account for donations.
Much of what he currently does, rent of storage facility ($180 a month), gas to pick up and deliver equipment and parts to repair equipment comes out of his pocket. He's not complaining but some days the needs are greater than the green in his wallet.
"My goal is to continue this work," he said. "I like to see people utilizing the equipment to get them up and moving. They are not letting their hardship keep them down. One woman called recently. She needed help because she literally wore the wheels off her walker. I'm happy to help people stay mobile."
To that end, Rich is working on a prototype wheelchair with his good friend Jay Schryer. Jay uses a wheelchair to get around. He has learned they are somewhat restricting. "We are building an off-road power chair which is still able to go through a doorway when you come home."
Rich explained Jay has gotten stuck more than once trying to get around and do things other people take for granted. Once, while down on the beach he ended up stuck and a large wave got him.
Rich calls this invention the Adventure Chair. It is four-wheel drive and mountain bike tires are used for traction. Batteries are in the back to keep it stable and the person sits in the front. Each wheel is articulated and functions separately from the others. The project moves along as they try it out and then Rich tweaks it to make it better.
"I'd like to get this one completed and working and then build more," said Rich. "Wouldn't it be fabulous if we could start an Adventure Chair manufacturing plant here and employ people who are marginalized?"
Rich admits sometimes people look at him a little funny. "I see a newer model of a wheelchair and become very interested to check it out. I want to say, `Hey, what are you driving there?'"
Both Rich and Ashlee say they have seen many people in their life who have had struggles. "Sometimes others convince them they are broken," says Rich. "It gets stuck in their head and then they believe it."
Instead this couple says whatever is impeding a person, they need to be encouraged to change their attitude towards it. "You can accomplish what you want to do," says Ashlee. "It may not be easy, but you can do it."
Ashlee should know. When she was ten years old doctors told her she needed to stop riding her horses because she was going to be dead in a few months. Ever so silently a tumor had been growing in Ashlee's brain. Surgery removed the tumor, however the radiation treatments damaged part of her optic nerves. She is considered legally blind, but this doesn't stop Ashlee. True she cannot drive, but she can do a lot, and does.
When she walks, especially in an unfamiliar place, she takes her cane with her. Rich also walks ahead so he can guide her around potential problems. She still enjoys hikes and remembers fondly when she, Rich and Hannah hiked areas around the Grand Canyon. "I was able to go for a while, but I know when I need to stop."
Community Club members Rich and Ashlee believe the Community Club is a wonderful asset. She would like to start swimming in the near future. They both say they would like to go more, but with their busy lives they often forget. In the new year they hope to get to the club more.
To learn more about the Adventure Chair, or the Medical Equipment, you can call Rich at 360-591-5313, email him at [email protected] or write him at 762 Edgewood Ave NE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569. You may also contact him to donate medical equipment, or funds for the repairs on these tools which people use to enhance their mobility.