Statue Proposed To Honor “Mr. Burien” Dick Dahlgard

This whimsical statue, designed by artist Phillip Levine, would depict the late
Dick Dahlgard as a camera on a tripod with three human legs.

by Gina Bourdage

Burien lost one of its most notable citizens in November 2008, when “Mr. Burien,” Richard “Dick” Dahlgard, passed away.

Formerly the owner of Dick’s Camera and pillar of the community through many charity involvements, Dick is a man that will not soon be forgotten and Jim Hughes, owner of Sal’s Deli, is organizing efforts to have a public art piece erected in memorial of Mr. Dahlgard.

“We tend to forget our heroes fairly quickly and Dick was definitely one of mine,” said Hughes.

Working more than 90 hours a week at Sal’s Deli has not detoured Hughes from taking on the large fundraising and planning task of the proposed art piece. A designed by nationally renowned local artist Phillip Levine will depict a whimsical 35mm camera with three human legs as a tripod. A large unraveling roll of film with be place at the lower region of the piece and may include the long list of civic involvements Mr. Dahlgard selflessly dedicated so much of his time towards. The sculpture will stand over six feet high and will be crafted from brass; the location for installation is still being discussed but is proposed for the new town square development.

Due to budget conservations the City of Burien is unable to fund the project and organizers are reaching out to the community for private donations. To make a contribution please stop by Sterling Bank or by mail to:

“Dick Dahlgard Memorial Fund”
c/o Sterling Bank
224 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166

All checks can be made out to the “Dick Dahlgard Memorial Fund.”

Each donor will receive a special invitation to the unveiling presentation and the piece of mind knowing they are helping to honor the memory of a man who did so much for so many for so long.

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