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1936
2020
RICHARD ’DICK’ CLAYTON MOORE
February 29, 1936 ˜ July 2, 2020
Richard “Dick” Clayton Moore passed away at home surrounded by his favorite wife and his children in Vancouver, WA, on July 2, 2020, at the age of 84.
He was born February 29, 1936, in Longview, WA, the son of Mary (nee Parsons) and James A. Moore. He was the youngest of six siblings. He went to local schools, having to walk uphill both ways in the snow wearing his sister’s hand-me-down shoes with warm potatoes (Murphys) in his pockets.
At 17, he followed his brothers and enlisted in the Navy where he served as a boilerman on the U.S.S Cook, U.S.S Algol, U.S.S. Salisbury Sound, and the U.S.S. Knudson. He said the greatest adventure of his life was serving his country aboard ship.
Following his time in the Navy, Dick worked at several jobs before finding his second favorite career. Dick loved being a Stationary Engineer (IUOE Local No. 39 San Francisco). He worked in several bay area hospitals and eventually retired after nearly 20 years at Kaiser Santa Clara. He was very proud of his work and often spoke fondly of his time serving with the great staff at each hospital in which he worked.
Dick enjoyed music, reading, Sue’s cooking, making knives, anything sci-fi especially Star Wars, comics, motorcycles, camping with his family, reunions with his shipmates, dressing up for Renaissance Faires and Halloween. He was also involved with fostering for a small dog rescue where he met and fell in love with several pups that became his beloved fur babies.
Dick was known for years as a proud father, a marching band enthusiast and an avid supporter when his daughters were part of the Mountain View High School Marching Band (CA). Later, Dick was “The Pirate Grandpa” to his two grandsons. Grown now, the boys have come to realize that he was not actually a pirate but they still treasure the adventures, stories and cherished memories.
He will be remembered for his love of classic movies, old cars and collectibles, supporting his girl’s interest in marching band and Girl Scouts, his ability to tell a good story or a dirty joke, getting tattoos with his grandsons, playing board and card games, and family.
Dick’s quick wit, quirky sense of humor, and devilish grin left most people laughing and shaking their heads at the same time.
He was a proud founding member of American Legion Post 881 Moffett Field, California, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3982, Santa Clara, California. Dick was well known at Moffett Field as Santa Claus (with Sue as his Mrs. Claus) as they served the families of deployed service persons for many years, visiting with and handing out presents to their children. Santa was pretty excited to arrive by military helicopter, too! (Mrs. Claus, not so much.)
Dick is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Virginia Boardman and Charlotte Busby, brothers, Robert Moore and James L. Moore; brother-in-law, Bradley Spencer; and sister-in-law, Debbi Spencer (nee Fogli).
Dick is survived by Susan (nee Spencer), his loving and devoted wife of 42 years; daughters, Teresa (Bradley) Chagnon of Los Banos, CA; Madelon Moore of Vancouver, WA; and Jaimie (Travis) Moore-Ayers of Gresham, OR; grandchildren, Joshua (Mia) Chagnon and Michael Chagnon of Los Banos, CA; great grandchildren, Dylan, Matthew, and Lilliana; his sister, Lynn Dutcher of Vancouver, WA; sisters-in-law, Jean Moore (nee Moore) of Belmont, CA, and Rene Spencer (nee Miller) of Morgan Hill, CA; brother-in-law, Robert Spencer of Vancouver, WA; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews with fun memories of their Uncle Dick.
At Dick’s request, there will be no services. In lieu of a formal service, be with friends, raise a glass of the Irish and give a toast “to Dick!” He’d appreciate that.
The family of Dick Moore wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Kaiser Hospice.
Please sign his guestbook @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
It was on the mourn
That I saw a ship a sailing
The sea was calm
The winds were fair
Dick was young
And he was at the rail
With shipmates once again.---rs
Roger B. Sheetz, USN
July 19, 2020
Dick tested me when I first started dating his daughter Teresa. Fortunately, I passed the test and ever since we were partners. We actually hitchhiked together once and it made his day. We were given a ride by a visiting Swedish girls college volleyball team. (I swear) I never saw anyone try harder to look like he wasnt looking...lol.
Bad puns, dirty jokes and being the crusty old guy was only a part of what made him who he was. He adored his wife and three girls.
We shared some other adventures that remain fond memories but mostly I remember how he treated me as his son.
So long Pop, you did a great job taking care of us. Rest easy, we got it from here.
Brad Chagnon
Son
July 13, 2020
Oh, my dear Uncle Dick. I have so many memories of fun times at our family reunions and of course how special it was that you were the person who introduced me to Star Wars. I'm looking at the Lego Yoda that you gave me as I'm typing this. You will be missed. I love you, Mindy.
MELINDA M MORTEMORE
Family
July 8, 2020
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