Federal Way Community Center
876 S. 333rd Street
Federal Way, WA 98003

Dick Dyhrman, Bud Hatley and Bob Stewart had several things in common: they were all former athletes, well known for volunteering their time to local youth in the Federal Way community, and all three died from mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops after exposure to asbestos. They additionally all had wives who were bound and determined to do what they could to ensure other families wouldn’t endure the heartache that they did.

Not long after their deaths, Dick’s wife Patricia and Bob’s wife Diana traveled 3,000 miles to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (the Meso Foundation) annual meeting in Washington, D.C. to help lobby Congress to allocate more federal money toward mesothelioma research. The women didn’t know each other prior to that trip and quickly became close, especially after realizing they were from the same town.

Together with Bud’s wife Pat, the three joined together their love for their husbands and desire to help others to create the Miles for Meso WA Memorial 5K Run/Walk. To date, the race has raised more than $85,000 to benefit the Meso Foundation.

During their time in Federal Way, Dick, Bud and Bob left a lasting impression. Both Bob and Bud are members of the Federal Way School District Hall of Fame, honored for their outstanding work with local youth. Dick was highly involved in community events and volunteered with local scout troops and in schools.

Bob “Coach Stew” Stewart

Bob was affectionately known as “Coach Stew” to his friends and family, as well as to all the players he used to coach. He was a very popular and respected high-school teacher and coached both baseball and basketball, leading the local Eagles baseball team to five Pugent Sound League Championships. He was also named Washington State High School Coach of the Year in 1971-1972. He was a man known for his fairness and integrity, attributes that earned him several recognitions and accolades, including induction into the Federal Way High School Baseball of Fame.

After he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, Bob fought valiantly for nine months before passing away on Sept. 25, 2008. He and his wife, Diana, were married 46 years and had two children.

Dick Dyhrman

Dick had a wide array of interests, including music, reading military history, being active outdoors and spending hour after hour behind a camera lens. He was known for having a big smile, an even bigger heart and a laugh that was infectious.

After serving in U.S. Air Force and attaining the rank of Captain, he worked as a geologist for Union Oil Company in Ventura, California for several years before returning to the Northwest where he worked for 23 years for Weyerhaeuser’s Mineral Resources Department. Even after he retired in 2004, he continued to work in his field as a consultant. Dick loved his work, but he also loved donating his time and talents to the community by volunteering in schools, churches, Boy Scouts and the Puyallup Schools Foundation.

He was diagnosed with mesothelioma and died on March 27, 2009. He and his wife Patricia had three children.

Bud Hatley

Bud served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1947 before attending college where he played both football and baseball. After receiving his Master’s degree in physical education, he was hired by the Fife School District where he taught physical education and biology until 1954 when the school named him the athletic director. He coached track, basketball, football and baseball until 1965 when he moved to Federal Way High School. He taught biology and coached football until he became the school district’s athletics director.

When he wasn’t making a difference on courts, ball diamonds, and playing fields, Bud loved skiing, fly-fishing and golfing. He was always proud of the two “holes in one” he received in his lifetime.

Bud was diagnosed with mesothelioma and died on Feb. 2, 2002. He and his wife Pat had two children.