Richard Staples

November 10, 1956 - October 5, 2024

Ocean Park resident Richard Staples died of a sudden heart attack after mowing the lawn, removing one good man from the lives of his wife Terri and the community he loved. He was only 67. He made his mark on the Peninsula after Terri transplanted them here in 2007, after their 30 years of labor in Portland. He was a ringer on the City Attorney’s Office’s softball team, hitting home runs every single time he went up to bat. His throwing arm was amazing. He enjoyed summers skiing on the Columbia River, working on his family’s ranch and boat moorage and the ocean voyages with his family, with his Dad at the helm. He worked at Jessie’s here at first, then with Tony at Chrome Dome in Ocean Park.

He worked as an auto mechanic for most of his hard-working life. Here, people found him to be a reliable mechanic, who would only charge for parts, making an exception for cookies. He enjoyed so many cookies.

Richard is survived by his wife and their son, Jeff and their daughter-in-law Alicia, and two precious grandkids, ages 3 and 7, Dexter and Aria. He left behind five beloved siblings, two brothers, Don and Ken, and three sisters, Rory, Patty, and Cece, and many nieces, cousins, and so many others who are very sad that he is no longer with us. His dog, Addy, misses him too.

Richard met Terri when he was home on leave from the Army. He was a grenade expert. He could accurately toss a grenade 35 feet from either standing or prone positions. Such skills were basic in the Golden Arrow Division of the 8th Infantry in Germany. When the deputy commander of the 8th Infantry Division arrived to accept the surrender of German troops in Brest, the commander asked the lower-ranking man to show his credentials. Brigadier General Charles Canham pointed to his nearby troops and said, “These are my credentials,” which thereafter became the 8th Infantry Division’s motto.

Richard had all kinds of skills that he used to help accomplish goals and solve problems for other people, and make the world a better place for everyone. He will be interred at Willamette National Cemetery on Thursday, October 17th, at 11:00 a.m. This wonderfully heroic man did his duty here with us like a reliable Christian man. A soloist will sing “In the Garden” to see him off and comfort his wife at that ceremony. He left his wife and family in a good place, feeling grateful for all the good times they shared together before he died. He will be greatly missed.