Richard K. Bass

A Life of Service

If anyone can describe his life, it would be one of service. He served in the Navy as a radioman in the Korean War. He continued with his love of radio first with the Oregon State Police and then with Clackamas County. While at Clackamas County, he designed the County’s first 911 call and dispatch center. Creating a disaster response plan for the County was his way to help others. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge through consulting and teaching with the California Maritime Academy and Clatsop Community College. He was an author of a book on maritime distress and safety radio systems. Even in retirement, he was actively involved with the Red Cross Disaster Relief and FEMA. Radio wasn’t just a job, it was also a hobby. He was very active in amateur (ham) radio. He was part of the disaster response team for Providence Milwaukie Hospital.

No one enjoyed travel more than Dick. He courted Mary, his wife of 63 years, with trips to the Oregon Coast. Long trips or short, he enjoyed the drive and conducting “nickel tours.” A passion for milkshakes marked the goal of any trip. Serving as a relief radio officer in the Merchant Marine, just provided new places he and Mary would explore. He was very active in his church both as a reader and in preparing meals for the poor. Both he and Mary volunteered for St. Vincent de Paul, creating a client database.

Richard is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Mike (Jenean), Patti (George), Karen (Doug), Bob; and 6 grandchildren.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Milwaukie.

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