Richard W. ‘Dick’ Wilcox, 75, of Baker City, Ore., died March 4, 2007, in LaGrande from Pancreatic Cancer.
There was a graveside service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2007, at Mt. Hope Cemetery. A memorial service was held at the Baker City Christian Church at noon with a reception following. Pastor Roger Scovil will officiated.
Dick was born Oct. 29, 1931, in Corvallis, Ore., to Chester L. and Hazel Wilcox. They moved to Baker City by the time he started school, where he attended Churchill School.
He was 17 when he joined the US Army where he learned Radio Technology before being sent to Korea. He was discharged as Corporal in 1952 after injuries from a hand grenade & awarded the Purple Heart.
He continued service to his country in the National Guard where he moved up in rank to Platoon Sgt. Dick went to the Oregon Technical Institute in Klamath Falls and studied office machine repair. One of his first jobs was working for Ryder Brothers in Baker City.
He opened his own business; Dick’s Typewriter Repair and later changed the name to Dick’s Office Equipment.
In 1962, he married Phyllis Cook Allen and adopted her son, Carl. They had two more children Tamala and Timothy.
They moved to Coos Bay, Ore., in 1979 and worked for Bishop’s Office Supply and later bought out half of the business to start Dick’s Office Repair. He was specializing only in copier repairs a short while before retiring.
He became the main caregiver for his wife in 1997 after she suffered a stroke. A year later, he moved his mother into his home to care for her as well.
A few years later, they moved back to Baker City and continued as caregiver for as long as he was able.
Dick loved hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. Even when unable to go out, he could play hunting games on his computer. He also was fascinated with vehicles and war history.
He was a loving servant and devoted father.
Dick is survived by his wife, Phyllis Wilcox of Baker City; daughter, Tammy Smith of Prineville; son, Tim Wilcox of La Grande; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester L. and Hazel Wilcox of Baker City; son, Carl Wilcox of Baker City.
Arrangements are being made through Gray’s West and Company Pioneer Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Baker City Christian Church in care of Gray’s West & Company 1500 Dewey Ave. Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon, March, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor