Richard Neil Grossnicklaus

Richard "Dick" Neil Grossnicklaus, age 73, of Salem died February 3 of a heart attack. He was born in Columbus, Nebraska to Armand and Violet Loseke Grossnicklaus. The family, including older brother James, moved to Oregon in 1939. He grew up on the family farm and attended Dixie Elementary and Shedd High School. He received an Associate Degree from Chemeketa Community College. He married Dorothy Marie Wirth. Their children are: Robin Fox Machado (Dan) of Lebanon; grandchildren Flint Fox, Kraig Fox of Lebanon (Meaghan; great grandchildren Marissa and Chloe Fox), Amber Fox of Lebanon; sons Scot Tod Grossnicklaus of Portland (partner Doug); and Brian Grossnicklaus of Springfield (Julie, three daughters.) Richard married Donna Preston Loveland in 1983, and is survived by his wife and stepsons Brian Loveland (grandchildren Justin and Jessica Loveland); Aaron Loveland, all of Portland; mother-in-law Myrna Preston, Tucson, brother-in-law Darrel Preston, Vancouver, Wash., and many other relatives. Richard joined Linn County Sheriff's Office (LCSO), and after 29 years retired in 1994 as Lt. Commander of LCSO Corrections. He continued part-time for LCSO throughout retirement. He especially loved patrolling in the moutains of Linn County and helping citizens of the county. Richard served in the Oregon Army National Guard for 30 years, attaining the position of CSM (Captain 03 RET). Richard and Donna traveled throughout western, central and eastern Europe multiple times, Mexico, Canada, Thailand and Iceland, as well as around the United States. Their special delight was connecting with Unitarian friends in Transylvania, Romania. He found peace at their home on the North Santiam River. As an organ donor, his beautiful blue eyes are his legacy of kindness. This kindhearted man will be missed by countless people who loved and respected him. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 20 at 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, Oregon, 2045 NW Circle Blvd., where he was a member. In lieu of flowers, to honor Richard's memory, the family suggests supporting the Carpathian Connection Foundation, Inc. Richard was a board member and officer in the recently established foundation focused on projects to empower impoverished villagers in Transylvania, Romania, where Richard and Donna often traveled. The Foundation is seeking federal 501(c)(3) exempt status. Checks may be made out to Carpathian Connection Foundation and mailed to 5267 Landon Street SE, Salem Oregon. 97306-2551 or Central Willamette Community Credit Union, PO Box D, Albany, Oregon 97321-0437.