Dr. Richard Riedel Excelled In Dentistry, Inspired Students

Richard Anthony Riedel's career in dentistry and orthodontics took him to many points on the globe.

He spent three months lecturing in Japan and lived on a boat in the harbor of Belem, Brazil, while volunteering dental care to area residents. He also lectured widely in Europe, South America and Australia.

Dr. Riedel, 72, a Poulsbo resident, died Aug. 10 of complications related to liver failure.

He moved to Seattle in 1949 to join the faculty of the University of Washington's School of Dentistry. It was supposed to be temporary, his wife Marie Riedel said. They'd wanted to end up in California, but Dr. Riedel liked Seattle so much, they stayed.

At the UW, Dr. Riedel rose from instructor to professor, and eventually served as chairman of the Department of Orthodontics for nine years. He also became associate dean of the School of Dentistry and served as acting dean for a year.

"He loved teaching," Marie Riedel said. "He loved orthodontics, and it came through because the students seemed to get the same enthusiasm from having him as an instructor."

Dr. Alton Moore, a friend and colleague of Dr. Riedel's for 45 years, praised his "superb communication skills," both in the classroom and in personal relationships.

"He was a very good listener and many people went to him for advice," Moore said. "And he always gave very sage advice - he just had a knack for understanding other people's problems."

Dr. Riedel attended the Marquette University School of Dentistry and Northwestern University Graduate School in Orthodontics. He was a World War II veteran of the Navy Dental Corps.

Dr. Riedel served as president of the Angle Society of Orthodontists and the American Board of Orthodontics. In 1983, he received the Albert Ketcham Award, the most prestigious honor in orthodontics.

"He was very active in research and many of the bases for orthodontic practice depended on his research," Moore said.

Dr. Riedel is survived by his wife; a son, Richard Riedel of Seattle; two daughters, Corrine Lyon of Athens, Greece, and Caryl Riedel of Denver; and five grandchildren: John and Patrick Riedel of Seattle and Elisha, Sam and Max Lyon of Athens.

There will be no service, at Dr. Riedel's request. Remembrances may be sent to the University of Washington Orthodontic Memorial Fund, Department of Orthodontics SM-46, School of Dentistry, Seattle, WA 98195.