Richard James Thompson

As a child, Dick frequented the city library, played rough-and-tumble games with his brother, rode bikes, built skateboards from old roller skates, went sledding on the hilly streets of Oregon City in the winter, and played basketball and softball with friends. By age 10, he had a lawnmowing business, and by 15, he worked after school at a local service station.

After graduating from Oregon City High School, Dick enrolled at Walla Walla College. He was the first in his family to attend college. He took a break from college in 1953 to join the US Army. He served in Korea until he was discharged in 1955.

Upon returning to college, he met Arlene Hisel. The couple married two years later and, following Dick’s graduation from Walla Walla, they moved to Portland. Dick worked at Time Oil before taking a position with IBM. He worked for IBM until he retired 35 years later.

The couple had two daughters, Patti and Claudia, and made a beautiful home for their family. They were active members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Dick was an avid reader, a history buff and a baseball fan. He enjoyed picnics, trips to the Oregon coast, fishing and camping in the Pacific Northwest. Most of all, he cherished time spent with his family … his wife and daughters, two sons-in-law, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

He passed away on Oct. 20, 2025, having lived 92 wonderful years. He is now at rest, awaiting Jesus’ return and life eternal with his dear ones.