Richard L. Reese

Richard Reese passed away a few weeks after his 80th birthday. The official cause may have been cancer, but anyone who knew him knows the real cause was the broken heart he received almost 17 years ago after losing his beloved wife, Irene.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (husband, Rob); son, Daniel (wife, Dominique); brother, David; sisters, Cindy and Mary; many cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as friends in the community, particularly at American Legion Post 180 in downtown Milwaukie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; and  brother, Tim,

Richard grew up in the Port Washington area of Wisconsin where he began his lifelong love of the Green Bay Packers. He moved to Portland at the age of ten and attended St. Philip Neri Elementary and Cleveland High School. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served stateside during the Vietnam War for two years.

One night in 1966, Richard drove into the 82nd Drive-In with his brother, David and two Army buddies. They parked next to a car with Irene and three of her friends. Richard and Irene married on Nov. 16, 1968 to also celebrate Irene’s love of fall colors. Richard’s lifelong best friend, Jim Gilbert, was on leave from Vietnam and served as best man.

Richard joined the U.S. Postal Service and stayed with them for his entire career. Unbeknownst to many, Richard would collect the letters that children on his route would mail to Santa and respond to them. “Santa” was always vague on promises of gifts but unfailingly kind and positive.

He and Irene moved to Milwaukie in 1969 and lived in the same area around Linwood Elementary for the rest of their lives. Richard’s hobbies included bowling; camping; fishing; collecting stamps, coins, baseball cards and other sports memorabilia, and vinyl records (so many vinyl records). He planted a vegetable garden every year and loved fresh green beans and tomatoes. He had a good-natured, if ever so slightly dark, sense of humor.

After Irene passed from cancer, he volunteered for the American Cancer Society driving patients to and from their appointments. He never sought recognition (or mileage reimbursement) but nevertheless won three awards for his work with the Society. His work there stopped only because of COVID restrictions. He joined the American Legion Post 180 and attended countless Sunday breakfasts and several dinners throughout the week. Always one of the first to arrive, he would read a book and talk to friends, becoming a beloved member of the Post.

Those who knew him may take comfort in the fact that while his passing was not particularly sudden, it was swift and without suffering. He was cared for at home by his family and visited by numerous friends during his illness, exactly as he wanted.

Also of note: After further review, the Bears still suck. Go Pack Go!

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 11:00 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, November 5, 2026 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Milwaukie, Oregon; followed by a procession to Willamette National Cemetery for Military Honors and Commital Service.  A reception will be held after the Cemetery Service at the American Legion Post 180.