Rick Laine Francis, 55, of Baker City, died May 16, 2009, at his home.
His memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church, 1995 Fourth St.
Rick was born on June 4, 1953, at Baker City to Willard and Florence DeShaw Francis. He was a 1971 Baker High School graduate and attended the University of Oregon at Eugene. Rick worked as an equipment operator with the city of Baker City. He retired in 1999.
He married Judith Lazott Stacey on Feb. 14, 2003, at La Grande.
He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, especially fly-fishing, camping and hiking into high lakes. He had a strong affinity for the Eastern Oregon countryside and the native history of the region.
He enjoyed drives in the mountains, cutting firewood, and looking at wildflowers. Rick also spent time woodworking. He was a proponent of the environment and wildlife conservation. He was an avid bird watcher, building habitat for many through the years. He also rescued and adopted many animals.
Rick was skilled at carpentry and furniture restoration and would often perform renovations and contribute to his family’s antique business. He was a collector of tobacco tins and enjoyed hunting for and collecting arrowheads.
Rick was a Scoutmaster for many years, dedicated to helping the Boy Scouts when his son was a Scout. He would often coordinate events and volunteer with local troops.
He had a strong appreciation for rock music such as Crosby, Stills and Nash, and especially enjoyed the work of musician Neil Young.
He was a history buff, majoring in history at college. He enjoyed reading and having discussions, especially about World War II and President Theodore Roosevelt.
Rick had a large and kind heart, and loved to help anyone in need, family members said. He often put other people’s needs before his own, but had a difficult time accepting help from others. He will be greatly missed by many, they said.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Florence Francis; sister, Sherry Schaer; and an aunt, Jo Jensen.
Survivors include his wife, Judith of Baker City; son, Caleb of Taiwan; daughter, Sarah of Union; granddaughter, Jaydia, and grandson, Elijah, of Union.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Baker City Boy Scouts through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, May 27, 2009
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor