Richard John Tallmadge

Richard John Tallmadge, also known as RJ, Dick, or Dick-Bob was born September 15th, 1942, to George and Marian Tallmadge in Fresno, CA. After WWII ended and George left the Air Force, they moved to Butte Montana where Marian had always lived.

Dick attended St Ann’s Catholic School and then graduated High school from the Boys Central Catholic. As a teen, he helped lay the foundation for building the new St Ann's Church. After graduation in 1960, he joined the Navy.

In 1963, after serving a tour on the USS King, Dick was heading home to Butte for some R&R but gave a friend a ride as far as Newberg, OR. There he met that friend's sister, Dolores Crocker. He ended up staying a week before heading home. After two years of getting to know each other through letters, they married in December of 1965. They made a home on Whidbey Island.

June of 1967 saw the birth of their first son, Christopher. In November of ‘67, he was stationed on the USS Sanctuary, off the coast of Vietnam where he was exposed to Agent Orange. Before he left, helping create son #2, Dwayne was born in July of 1968. Dick returned home to Whidbey in Dec of ‘68 and started his Civilian life.

In 1969, the family moved to Dolores's hometown of Newberg, OR. He commuted to work in Portland for a couple of years, then in 1971 bought his first home in SE Portland.

1973 brought a daughter, Cori. Cori was in a hurry to be born so Dick delivered her in the front seat of their Plymouth Fury. A Policeman was nearby and led the way to the hospital. When they got there, Dick couldn't remember anyone's phone number so he called the police station just to let them know they had a girl!

In 1977 or '78, Dick was working in the yard when he heard a neighbor call for help. He had fallen off a ladder while trimming his tree with a chainsaw and cut his arm. Dick was able to apply pressure until the ambulance came. They were able to save the arm!

1979 the family bought their second and current home just around the corner from the first one. They added a fence and welcomed dogs, cats, rabbits and any other strays the kids brought home.

Mostly working swing shifts, he wasn't able to attend a lot of Little League games or school functions but was there for the ones he could.

1980 they joined New Hope Community Church and Dick helped in the parking lot for services, and became very active in the Easter Programs. He loved building scenery and props, and even acting. He did not like it when he was cast as Judas but played it anyway, and played it well.

Dick battled depression most of his life, especially after leaving the Navy. While he loved people, he was always more comfortable around animals.

In 1986 the grandchildren started! They added much joy to his life. From sitting in a recliner with one in his lap eating popcorn and watching cartoons, to playing Chutes and Ladders with them, he enjoyed every one.The nineties brought an empty nest and a time of transition.

In 2005, he retired and had more time for his art, painting and woodworking, reading, and watching TV.

Even though his health was deteriorating and his depression was still there, he was always ready to joke and laugh with people and always had a big smile. And then the great-grandchildren started arriving!

His final days were full of visits from those he cared about most.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marian, his younger brother Gary, and nephew Jeff.

Richard is survived by his wife Dolores, son Christopher, and son Dwayne (Jennifer Winters), daughter Cori Anne Fester (James Fester), lots of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins, as well as many dear family members and friends. We carry you forever in our hearts, and you made our lives so much richer.

The family requests that charitable donations be made in Richard’s memory to the Oregon Humane Society or the Wounded Warrior Project.

https://www.oregonhumane.org/

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/