Richard Cloutier, Jr., PhD, CFA, age 61, of Spokane passed unexpectedly on March 15, 2025, while exercising at home.  He was the loving husband of Patricia E. (Falvey) Cloutier and father of Richard Cloutier, III and William N. Cloutier.  Rick was born in Fall River, MA, to Cecile M.N. (Coulombe) and Richard K. Cloutier who both preceded him in death.  He was a 1981 graduate of Bishop Connolly High School, then earned a B.S. from the University of Rhode Island.  After successfully completing U.S.M.C. Officer Candidate School, he opted instead to pursue his passion in the investment field.  He earned his MBA at Boston University Questrom School of Business.  He worked in the financial industry in Boston for several years, including for the investment arm of Wainwright Bank & Trust as a portfolio manager and director of research with Heritage Capital Management Inc.  In 2011, he moved with his family to Spokane, WA where he was vice president and chief investment strategist at Washington Trust Bank—Wealth Management and Advisory Services.  In 2020, he earned his Ph.D. in Finance through SMC University, Zug, Switzerland.  In 2021, he joined the faculty of Whitworth University where he was an Assistant Professor in Finance and Economics, teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses and overseeing the Whitworth Student Investment Group.   He was a contributor to the Journal of Business online, Journal of Financing and Accounting, and Investopedia.  He authored numerous investment research and strategy articles published in journals including International Journal of Revenue Management, Investment Management and Financial Innovation, Journal of Business Management and Economics, Journal of Financial Management, Intl Journal of Financial Management, Res Journal of Finance and Accounting, Intl Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, and the International Journal of Advanced Research.  In addition to hosting multiple informational videos regarding investment strategy and economics, he was in the midst of authoring a new textbook in his field.  He previously authored a fiction novel, Caveat Emptor (2003), published through Publish America and founded a real estate investment business.

Rick was a consummate overachiever who earned the rank of Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts at age 13 and competed in triathlons.  His professional and personal achievements were surpassed only by his humorous wit, tremendous sense of ethics, and, most of all, his unwavering dedication to his family.  In 2008, he received a mayoral citation for his volunteer work while sharing his time and talents with the classmates of his two boys. Along with teaching Chess he coached soccer and futsal teams for both Richard and William. His passion for family was paramount.

He enjoyed dirt biking, playing guitar, skiing, traveling, and pushing himself toward new achievements with his family at the core of all he did. His humor and strength will forever live in his children Richard and William.

Besides his sons and wife of 29 years, Rick is survived by his sisters, Diane J. Cloutier (husband Paul E. Collura) of Westport, MA, Deneen C. Cloutier (husband William A. Gagliardi) of N. Easton, MA, and Hon. Claudine A. Cloutier of Fall River, MA and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick's memory to Ronald McDonald House Charities, 1028 W. 5th Ave, Spokane, WA  99204.