Richard Unis

Richard Eric Unis – A Life Well-Lived, a Joke Well-Timed

In Loving Memory of Richard Eric Unis – A Life of Adventure, Service, and Laughter

Richard Eric Unis, 62, completed his final voyage on March 10, 2025, in Key Largo, Florida, doing what he loved—being on the water. While the world has lost a great man, Heaven has undoubtedly gained more humor with Rich’s wit.

Born on June 10, 1962, in Olympia, Washington, Rich’s love of the water was sparked in his early years exploring the Puget Sound. He grew up in Davenport, Washington, where he fished with his grandfather, ran wild with his buddies, and became well-known around town as “Little Richard!”—a name often shouted by his mother as he disappeared, giggling into the next mischievous adventure.

Rich was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force with over 20 years of honorable service as a Contract Specialist and rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military career led him and his family across the country and world—North Carolina, Nebraska, Colorado, Virginia, the Azores, and a deployment to Iraq. After his retirement from active duty, Rich continued his dedication to public service as a Senior Executive for the Federal Government. 

Rich lived a deeply fulfilling life rooted in faith, service, and adventure. A man of faith, Rich was actively involved in church communities throughout his life and especially during his years in Virginia. His love for mentoring was evident in his years spent volunteering with the Big Brother/Little Brother program, where he formed a lasting bond with his “little brother”, Jason Bartelt. He also gave countless evenings and weekends to the Northern Virginia Sail and Power Squadron, helping with vessel safety checks and boating education.

Rich had a curious and joyful spirit that drove him to explore the world. His travels took him hunting and fishing across the U.S., sailing in the Chesapeake and British Virgin Islands, scuba diving in the tropics, and exploring countries across Europe. He also loved watching college football and cheering for his alma mater, University of Texas (even when it tested his faith). If you ever needed a weather report, he was your guy—especially if you were one of his three daughters, Kristina, Hillary, or Hannah, who never had to wonder about the forecast thanks to his enthusiastic updates. 

But above all else, Rich was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He shared 38 wonderful years with his wife, Cindy, whom he met through church in Austin, Texas. Cindy was his partner for everything from weekend winery visits to raising three strong, beautiful daughters—his proudest accomplishment. 

He had an uncanny ability to lead with kindness, to treat everyone with respect, and to make people laugh with his sharp wit. When taking family pictures, he would famously say, “You only get one shot!”—a phrase that became both a family joke and an unintentional life motto.

Rich is survived by his loving wife Cindy; daughters Kristina (Eric Balcunas), Hillary (Skyler Samp), and Hannah (Luke Farney); his brother Brian Unis; sister Suzy (Paul) Campbell; stepmother Ralphine Unis; nieces and nephews Heather Campbell, and Travis, Stacy, and Brody Geissler; his “little brother” Jason Bartelt; and cherished in-laws LouAnn Russell and Lisa Russell. He was preceded in death by his mother Ellen Harms Geissler, father John Unis, stepfather Echo Geissler, and father-in-law William Russell.

A life as full as his deserves to be remembered with laughter, love, and at least one good story.  Please feel free to post stories and any photos you might have.  

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in Rich’s honor to Warrior Sailing—an organization he volunteered with that embodies many of the values he held dear and honors his legacy as a proud Air Force veteran, devoted mentor, and lifelong sailor.

Warrior Sailing empowers wounded, ill, and injured military service members and veterans through the sport of sailing. By offering hands-on training and mentorship, the program helps participants gain confidence, build teamwork skills, and find healing and connection through time on the water. Their mission goes beyond sport—they foster community, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose for those who have served.

Fair winds and following seas, Rich. You only get one shot—but you certainly made it count.

Celebration of life will take place at 2 pm ET at The Ministry Building of Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, Virginia – 541 Tolbert Ln SE, Leesburg, VA 20175. Reception to follow.  

The service will be available via streaming for those unable to attend in person. Link to the livestream can be found here. 

The family warmly invites you to continue celebrating Rich’s life at one of his favorite local spots, Bleu Frog Vineyards, from 6–9 PM ET.

Address: 16413 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, VA 20176 

Please consider using Uber/Lyft and drink responsibly.

Recommended activities between the service and winery celebration:

Leesburg Flower and Garden Show - this event is a free event taking place downtown Leesburg (Cindy's favorite annual event) 

Grab a famous burger from The Melt (Rich loved the classic burger with no tomato, Cindy loves the burger over lettuce, and the girls swear by the kids meal - it's the perfect size. Don't forget to compliment it with a milkshake!) 

Bull Run Battlefield - location of the first Civil War Battle 

Explore downtown Middleburg 

Loudoun Museum (Free admission)

Home of George C Marshall - Dodona Manor - Note - open 10 am - 3:30 pm CT on Saturday 

Wineries and Breweries: 

Lark Brewery Aldie, VA

Vanish Brewery Leesburg, VA

Endhardt Vineyards Purcellville, VA (Another favorite of Rich) Fleetwood Farm Winery Leesburg, VAStone Tower Winery Leesburg, VAThe Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards Hamilton, VA868 Hillsboro, VA 

Another gathering with family and friends will be held in his hometown of Davenport, Washington, at 12 pm on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Davenport Memorial Hall. 

The family kindly requests guests wear Rich’s favorite color—blue—to the services in his memory. For any questions, please contact Hillary Unis (703) 431-5860.