Richard John Whittemore

January 19, 1956 – July 5, 2015

Richard (Dick) John Whittemore passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 5. He was 59 years old. Dick had just completed a weekend of racing his BMW 325 in Auburn, WA when he developed breathing problems at the conclusion of the race. He entered the emergency room at a nearby hospital in Lakewood, WA and was immediately transferred to the intensive care unit. He later suffered cardiac arrest.

Dick was born and raised in Portland, OR. He was the son of Dr. James P and Mary Margaret Whittemore, both of whom preceded him in death. Dick attended St. Thomas More Grade School and received the Seat of Wisdom Award for academic excellence his 8th grade year and attended Jesuit High School graduating in 1974. He graduated cum laude with a B.A. in philosophy from Colorado College in 1978. He attended Northwestern School of Law, Lewis and Clark College, working nights at Abernethy’s restaurant so he could serve a clerkship for the Honorable Charles Crookham in Multnomah County Circuit Court. He remained close to Judge Crookham until the judge’s death in 2004. Dick was honored to deliver a eulogy at his funeral service.

Dick joined the firm of Bullivant Houser Baily in 1984 and was a senior shareholder. He was a member of the Oregon, Washington and Idaho Bar Associations and practiced law for more than 30 years litigating cases in both state and federal court. He was an expert in product liability defense, clergy malpractice, medical malpractice and commercial litigation.

Loren Podwill, president of Bullivant Houser Bailey said, “Dick was the consummate professional and partner and a tremendous legal advocate equally respected by his clients, adversaries and judges hearing his cases. He was a devoted teacher spending endless hours working with newer lawyers teaching them the tools of the trade and professionalism and volunteering his time to judge local and national legal competitions. Dick carried himself through the world with confidence, grace and dignity and will forever be remembered and honored by his friends and colleagues.”

Dick had a deep respect for the law but his personal passion was motor racing. He traveled the Pacific Northwest participating in SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) races. For years he raced an open wheel Ford in the SCCA and ICSCC (International Conference of Sports Car Clubs). This past weekend he drove his #45 BMW 325 PRO 3 class and placed tenth in a field of 41 cars. Dick collected numerous checkered flags throughout his racing career.

For all who knew him, he stood tall, spoke softly, listened intently and thought logically. In 1997 he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL). After six months of chemotherapy and aggressive physical rehab he returned to the track and drove a 6 hour endurance race. During this recovery period, his dedication to his clients and his firm never wavered. He continued to work at a high level. Later in 2008 he was re-diagnosed with a more aggressive form of NHL. Several months of chemo and a new treatment called Bexxar, did the trick. He successfully defeated the beast, never complaining of treatment or its side effects. He clearly lived by the motto his mother taught him, “Never complain, never explain.” He never did.

Dick was a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Board of Trial advocates where he served as National Board Representative President Elect among other board positions. He was a member of the Oregon Association of Defense Counsel and served as a regional Judge for the 2015 National Trial Competition of the Texas Young Lawyers Association. He was also serving on the Board of Trustees of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Association. He was a member of the Multnomah Athletic Club and the University Club of Portland where he proudly served as president in 2006 and thereafter continued to serve on several committees.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Carolyn; sisters Kathy (Kirk) Johnson and Susan (Craig) Honeyman; brother James (Laurie) Whittemore; nieces Libby (Scott) Rasmussen and Katherine (Nick) Byrne; nephews Blake (Lisa) Whittemore, Michael Johnson, Christopher (Allie) Johnson, Andrew Honeyman and Kevin Honeyman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception 1716 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209 on Monday July 13, at 1:00pm. Reception will follow at The University Club of Portland, 1225 SW Sixth Ave. Private internment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 9320 SW Barbur Blvd Suite 350, Portland, OR 97219 503-245-9866

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