Richard R. Carney

Dick was born December 22, 1922 in Northwest Portland. He was the son of Irish immigrants from County Mayo, Michael and Bridget Carney. He was the youngest of six children and twin of Robert.

Growing up, Richard attended school at St. Patrick’s, Chapman, Columbia Preparatory and graduated from Lincoln High School In 1936. Richard and his twin brother studied business at the University of Portland, where Dick met his future wife, nursing student, Mary Gritsch.

The brothers’ courses were interrupted by WWII, and they finished their studies at Harvard with brother Bill. The three brothers were enrolled in the US Navy Supply Corps Officer Program. Ensign Carney was assigned as a supply officer to serve in the Southwest Pacific aboard the USS Corbesier.

After the war, the twins enrolled at the University of Oregon’s Law School earning their law degrees in 1949. Richard joined the firm of Tanner and Clarke specializing in labor law and personal injury cases. Later he created his own firm. For seven years, Dick inspired the law students at Lewis and Clark College with his knowledge and expertise of labor law. Richard retired from Carney, Hays & Marsh after 52 of practicing law focused on labor relations. Dick was highly respected in the Teamsters Community.

Dick and Mary enjoyed travelling. Hawaii and the Oregon Coast were favorite destinations. They cruised with Robert and Kathleen to Alaska, Mexico and the Capitals of Europe. Together the twin brothers returned to their roots in Ireland visiting family and going to the cottage in which their mother was born.

Dick was proud of his service in the US Navy and attended reunions with his Corbesier shipmates. He also stayed connected with his “Portland Slabtown” school mates attending monthly breakfasts.

Richard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary, daughter Helen Miller, two granddaughters Erin and Amy, his twin brother, Robert and many nieces and nephews.

Recitation of the Rosary will be Thursday, December 5, at 5:00 pm at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Mass of Celebration of Richard will be held on Friday, December 6, at 11:00 am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.