Richard Spencer Moss, age 72, passed away peacefully at his home in SW Portland on Monday, December 13, 2021 after battling numerous cancers which may have been the result of his military service.
Rick was born and raised in Portland. He enjoyed the Boy Scouts, 4-H rocks & minerals, his Schwinn bike, his Irish setter dog and best friend, Kelly, and family camping trips to the Imnaha River. He attended Faubion Elementary School and Grant High School, where he served as student body Treasurer. Music was an important part of Rick's life, especially during his younger years. He played the piano and organ, and while at Grant, Rick was a member of the Royal Blues (chamber ensemble) and Tri-M (music honor society), a member and President of the Senior Choir, a member and President of the Boys' Octet (singing group), and Chaplain of the Clefs (music club).
After graduating from Grant in 1967, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served from 1969-1973 as a radioman – he was especially proficient in Morse code. Rick served aboard submarines, including the USS Carbonero (SS-337, a WWII diesel boat) and the USS Henry Clay (SSBN-625, a Polaris sub), and surface ships, including the guided missile frigate USS Preble. Rick held a Top-Secret security clearance. He served throughout the Pacific, from the Bering Sea to the coastal and inland waters of Vietnam, including off Dong Hoi, North Vietnam, and in the mouth of the Cua Viet River near the Demilitarized Zone. During these latter deployments, the Preble engaged the enemy and was hit several times by North Vietnam shore batteries. As a result of these engagements, the Preble's crew was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, and Vietnam Service and Campaign Medal with 3 stars. Rick earned several additional awards, including the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia, and SSBN Deterrent Patrol Star. In his later years, Rick was proud to serve on the Board of the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Living Memorial.
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Rick attended the University of Portland where he studied business and journalism. He put himself through school with the help of his wife and a job as a warehouseman. He received his baccalaureate degree in 1977 while his first child was a toddler. They went on to have three more children.
Rick's career life focused on public relations, especially corporate communications. He worked for a number of Portland-area organizations, including First National Bank, Georgia Pacific, and PacifiCorp, and University of Portland, before establishing his own consulting business, R.S. Moss & Associates, in 1986. During the following decade, Rick's clients included Expeditor's International, ICOS, Louisiana-Pacific, Oregon Economic Development Department, Pope & Talbot, Red Lion Hotels & Inns, Tektronix, and Weyerhauser. He was a talented writer, adept at producing corporate profiles and annual reports. During his career, Rick was a member of the Portland chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and Portland Advertising Federation. He served as president of the Oregon/Columbia International Association of Business Communicators.
During his later years, following retirement, Rick lived in a succession of cities, including South Lebanon, PA; Palm Desert, CA; and Medford, OR. He finally resettled back in SW Portland. Among his other volunteer activities, Rick worked with the Oregon Department of Corrections mentoring parolees upon their release, and helping them find housing, employment, and meaningful futures.
Rick's favorite companions were the many dogs he had throughout his life. Kelly, Massachusetts, Nannette, Ralph, Sally, Tucker, Dutch, and J.B. always held a special place in his heart.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Louise (Ruckdeschel) Moss and Harry Moss, Jr.; and his older sister Marilee who passed away in 1964 at age 19 and was never forgotten.
He is survived by his dog Willie, younger sister and five grandchildren, who he adored.
A memorial service will be held for Rick at 11:00 am on December 30th at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 13715 SW Walker Rd. Portland, OR 97005. His burial will begin at 2:00 pm at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd., Happy Valley, OR 97086.
Donations in Rick's memory may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Living Memorial.
Source: Duyck & VanDeHey Funeral Home
Rick was born and raised in Portland. He enjoyed the Boy Scouts, 4-H rocks & minerals, his Schwinn bike, his Irish setter dog and best friend, Kelly, and family camping trips to the Imnaha River. He attended Faubion Elementary School and Grant High School, where he served as student body Treasurer. Music was an important part of Rick's life, especially during his younger years. He played the piano and organ, and while at Grant, Rick was a member of the Royal Blues (chamber ensemble) and Tri-M (music honor society), a member and President of the Senior Choir, a member and President of the Boys' Octet (singing group), and Chaplain of the Clefs (music club).
After graduating from Grant in 1967, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served from 1969-1973 as a radioman – he was especially proficient in Morse code. Rick served aboard submarines, including the USS Carbonero (SS-337, a WWII diesel boat) and the USS Henry Clay (SSBN-625, a Polaris sub), and surface ships, including the guided missile frigate USS Preble. Rick held a Top-Secret security clearance. He served throughout the Pacific, from the Bering Sea to the coastal and inland waters of Vietnam, including off Dong Hoi, North Vietnam, and in the mouth of the Cua Viet River near the Demilitarized Zone. During these latter deployments, the Preble engaged the enemy and was hit several times by North Vietnam shore batteries. As a result of these engagements, the Preble's crew was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, and Vietnam Service and Campaign Medal with 3 stars. Rick earned several additional awards, including the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia, and SSBN Deterrent Patrol Star. In his later years, Rick was proud to serve on the Board of the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Living Memorial.
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Rick attended the University of Portland where he studied business and journalism. He put himself through school with the help of his wife and a job as a warehouseman. He received his baccalaureate degree in 1977 while his first child was a toddler. They went on to have three more children.
Rick's career life focused on public relations, especially corporate communications. He worked for a number of Portland-area organizations, including First National Bank, Georgia Pacific, and PacifiCorp, and University of Portland, before establishing his own consulting business, R.S. Moss & Associates, in 1986. During the following decade, Rick's clients included Expeditor's International, ICOS, Louisiana-Pacific, Oregon Economic Development Department, Pope & Talbot, Red Lion Hotels & Inns, Tektronix, and Weyerhauser. He was a talented writer, adept at producing corporate profiles and annual reports. During his career, Rick was a member of the Portland chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and Portland Advertising Federation. He served as president of the Oregon/Columbia International Association of Business Communicators.
During his later years, following retirement, Rick lived in a succession of cities, including South Lebanon, PA; Palm Desert, CA; and Medford, OR. He finally resettled back in SW Portland. Among his other volunteer activities, Rick worked with the Oregon Department of Corrections mentoring parolees upon their release, and helping them find housing, employment, and meaningful futures.
Rick's favorite companions were the many dogs he had throughout his life. Kelly, Massachusetts, Nannette, Ralph, Sally, Tucker, Dutch, and J.B. always held a special place in his heart.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Louise (Ruckdeschel) Moss and Harry Moss, Jr.; and his older sister Marilee who passed away in 1964 at age 19 and was never forgotten.
He is survived by his dog Willie, younger sister and five grandchildren, who he adored.
A memorial service will be held for Rick at 11:00 am on December 30th at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 13715 SW Walker Rd. Portland, OR 97005. His burial will begin at 2:00 pm at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd., Happy Valley, OR 97086.
Donations in Rick's memory may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Living Memorial.
Source: Duyck & VanDeHey Funeral Home
Richard Spencer Moss, age 72, passed away peacefully at his home in SW Portland on Monday, December 13, 2021 after battling numerous cancers which may have been the result of his military service.
Rick was born and raised in Portland. He enjoyed the Boy Scouts, 4-H rocks & minerals, his Schwinn bike, his Irish setter dog and best friend, Kelly, and family camping trips to the Imnaha River. He attended Faubion Elementary School and Grant High School, where he served as student body Treasurer. Music was an important part of Rick's life, especially during his younger years. He played the piano and organ, and while at Grant, Rick was a member of the Royal Blues (chamber ensemble) and Tri-M (music honor society), a member and President of the Senior Choir, a member and President of the Boys' Octet (singing group), and Chaplain of the Clefs (music club).
After graduating from Grant in 1967, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served from 1969-1973 as a radioman – he was especially proficient in Morse code. Rick served aboard submarines, including the USS Carbonero (SS-337, a WWII diesel boat) and the USS Henry Clay (SSBN-625, a Polaris sub), and surface ships, including the guided missile frigate USS Preble. Rick held a Top-Secret security clearance. He served throughout the Pacific, from the Bering Sea to the coastal and inland waters of Vietnam, including off Dong Hoi, North Vietnam, and in the mouth of the Cua Viet River near the Demilitarized Zone. During these latter deployments, the Preble engaged the enemy and was hit several times by North Vietnam shore batteries. As a result of these engagements, the Preble's crew was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, and Vietnam Service and Campaign Medal with 3 stars. Rick earned several additional awards, including the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia, and SSBN Deterrent Patrol Star. In his later years, Rick was proud to serve on the Board of the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Living Memorial.
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Rick attended the University of Portland where he studied business and journalism. He put himself through school with the help of his wife and a job as a warehouseman. He received his baccalaureate degree in 1977 while his first child was a toddler. They went on to have three more children.
Rick's career life focused on public relations, especially corporate communications. He worked for a number of Portland-area organizations, including First National Bank, Georgia Pacific, and PacifiCorp, and University of Portland, before establishing his own consulting business, R.S. Moss & Associates, in 1986. During the following decade, Rick's clients included Expeditor's International, ICOS, Louisiana-Pacific, Oregon Economic Development Department, Pope & Talbot, Red Lion Hotels & Inns, Tektronix, and Weyerhauser. He was a talented writer, adept at producing corporate profiles and annual reports. During his career, Rick was a member of the Portland chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and Portland Advertising Federation. He served as president of the Oregon/Columbia International Association of Business Communicators.
During his later years, following retirement, Rick lived in a succession of cities, including South Lebanon, PA; Palm Desert, CA; and Medford, OR. He finally resettled back in SW Portland. Among his other volunteer activities, Rick worked with the Oregon Department of Corrections mentoring parolees upon their release, and helping them find housing, employment, and meaningful futures.
Rick's favorite companions were the many dogs he had throughout his life. Kelly, Massachusetts, Nannette, Ralph, Sally, Tucker, Dutch, and J.B. always held a special place in his heart.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Louise (Ruckdeschel) Moss and Harry Moss, Jr.; and his older sister Marilee who passed away in 1964 at age 19 and was never forgotten.
He is survived by his dog Willie, younger sister and five grandchildren, who he adored.
A memorial service will be held for Rick at 11:00 am on December 30th at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 13715 SW Walker Rd. Portland, OR 97005. His burial will begin at 2:00 pm at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd., Happy Valley, OR 97086.
Donations in Rick's memory may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Living Memorial.
Source: Duyck & VanDeHey Funeral Home
Rick was born and raised in Portland. He enjoyed the Boy Scouts, 4-H rocks & minerals, his Schwinn bike, his Irish setter dog and best friend, Kelly, and family camping trips to the Imnaha River. He attended Faubion Elementary School and Grant High School, where he served as student body Treasurer. Music was an important part of Rick's life, especially during his younger years. He played the piano and organ, and while at Grant, Rick was a member of the Royal Blues (chamber ensemble) and Tri-M (music honor society), a member and President of the Senior Choir, a member and President of the Boys' Octet (singing group), and Chaplain of the Clefs (music club).
After graduating from Grant in 1967, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served from 1969-1973 as a radioman – he was especially proficient in Morse code. Rick served aboard submarines, including the USS Carbonero (SS-337, a WWII diesel boat) and the USS Henry Clay (SSBN-625, a Polaris sub), and surface ships, including the guided missile frigate USS Preble. Rick held a Top-Secret security clearance. He served throughout the Pacific, from the Bering Sea to the coastal and inland waters of Vietnam, including off Dong Hoi, North Vietnam, and in the mouth of the Cua Viet River near the Demilitarized Zone. During these latter deployments, the Preble engaged the enemy and was hit several times by North Vietnam shore batteries. As a result of these engagements, the Preble's crew was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, and Vietnam Service and Campaign Medal with 3 stars. Rick earned several additional awards, including the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia, and SSBN Deterrent Patrol Star. In his later years, Rick was proud to serve on the Board of the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Living Memorial.
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Rick attended the University of Portland where he studied business and journalism. He put himself through school with the help of his wife and a job as a warehouseman. He received his baccalaureate degree in 1977 while his first child was a toddler. They went on to have three more children.
Rick's career life focused on public relations, especially corporate communications. He worked for a number of Portland-area organizations, including First National Bank, Georgia Pacific, and PacifiCorp, and University of Portland, before establishing his own consulting business, R.S. Moss & Associates, in 1986. During the following decade, Rick's clients included Expeditor's International, ICOS, Louisiana-Pacific, Oregon Economic Development Department, Pope & Talbot, Red Lion Hotels & Inns, Tektronix, and Weyerhauser. He was a talented writer, adept at producing corporate profiles and annual reports. During his career, Rick was a member of the Portland chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and Portland Advertising Federation. He served as president of the Oregon/Columbia International Association of Business Communicators.
During his later years, following retirement, Rick lived in a succession of cities, including South Lebanon, PA; Palm Desert, CA; and Medford, OR. He finally resettled back in SW Portland. Among his other volunteer activities, Rick worked with the Oregon Department of Corrections mentoring parolees upon their release, and helping them find housing, employment, and meaningful futures.
Rick's favorite companions were the many dogs he had throughout his life. Kelly, Massachusetts, Nannette, Ralph, Sally, Tucker, Dutch, and J.B. always held a special place in his heart.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Louise (Ruckdeschel) Moss and Harry Moss, Jr.; and his older sister Marilee who passed away in 1964 at age 19 and was never forgotten.
He is survived by his dog Willie, younger sister and five grandchildren, who he adored.
A memorial service will be held for Rick at 11:00 am on December 30th at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 13715 SW Walker Rd. Portland, OR 97005. His burial will begin at 2:00 pm at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd., Happy Valley, OR 97086.
Donations in Rick's memory may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Living Memorial.
Source: Duyck & VanDeHey Funeral Home
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