Born in Aberdeen, WA, Rich attended Puyallup High School and secured a job with Burns Detective Security Services upon graduation. Rich worked with Burns as a Security Officer in Tacoma for one-and-a-half years. Upon leaving Burns, Rich went to work with Weyerhaeuser planting trees and worked in the mill. In April of 1976 Rich took a position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Quinault National Fish Hatchery as a Fish Culturist/Animal Caretaker. During his employment at the hatchery, Rich served in the Army National Guard for six years . He has also spent evenings as a full-time reserve tribal police officer for the Quinault Nation and subsequently, spent six months of that period as the acting Chief of Police for the Hoh River tribe. He is a descendant of four Chiefs and is well-known as Gray Eagle. Rich is a drum member of the Quileute and Hoh River tribes and carves paddles for tribal ceremonial dancers. In addition, he provides salmon for the Quileute and Hoh River tribal ceremonial dinners and dances. Furthermore, he provides salmon and fire wood for the elders. Rich actively participates in fundraisers for the Quileute, Hoh, and Forks communities. In his spare time Rich is a tribal hunting and fishing guide. He enjoys woodcarving, drawing, hunting, and fishing. He studies native traditions and ceremonies, is a volunteer with the Shaker Church and holds a certificate for advanced first aid. |
Richard Sivonen has been a full-time employee at the Quinault National
Fish Hatchery for twenty-eight years and is qualified to perform all duties associated with the hatchery.