Richard "Dick" George Tollisen

Richard (Dick) Tollisen was born in Seattle, Washington to Odin and Louise (Sorensen) Tollisen. He had two younger brothers, Stanton and Kermit, both deceased. Dick served with the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II, serving as a radio operator with a P-38 fighter squadron. Upon discharge from the Army in 1945, Dick obtained an Electrical Engineering degree from the Oregon State College (now Oregon State University) in 1950. He began work at Tektronix in Beaverton after graduation. Dick met fellow employee and future wife Marjorie there, and they were married on February 27th, 1954. Dick retired from Tektronix and later worked for Harry Levinson Company, finally retiring for good in 1986.

Marjorie preceded Dick into God’s arms after 57 years of marriage, passing in 2011. Dick is survived by his children Gregory, Neal (Cecilia), Annie (Ernie), and David (Marylyn); grandsons Kendall, Sean, and Tristan; grand-daughters Rebecca, Louise, Madelon, and Megan.

Music was a permanent part of Dick’s life. He often was listening to classical music while relaxing and reading the paper at home. He loved to sing. He talked of singing in small a cappella gatherings on the troop ship headed to war. He sang in a barbershop quartet at Tektronix, participated in the St. Cecilia’s Men’s choir in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, directed by Bill McNicholas and accompanied by Marj . Dick continued to sing throughout his life, including spontaneous singing for fellow residents at Canfield Place. Dick was singing moments before the Lord called him to his side.

Although he never pursued art in any capacity, he was an amazing artist. He was able to draw anything out of his head without any real thought. Neighbors, for years, looked forward to his wonderful window paintings at Christmas time depicting Jesus’ birth. Every year he’d choose a different design, draw it with soap, and paint it in for a stained glass effect.

Because he fished with his Bestefar (grandfather), Dick loved to fish and particularly loved salmon. He enjoyed many fishing trips over the years, including a trip to Alaska in 2003. Reading was another passion of Dick’s. He typically read the daily paper cover to cover, and enjoyed diverse books as well. Dick was also an avid walker, often seen on more than one walk a day in the neighborhood. After retirement, Dick had a remarkable green thumb for tomatoes each summer. Many families benefitted over those years from his abundant plants.

Dick was an empathetic person who felt it important to reach out to all in an effort to make them more comfortable. He extended himself continually for others to make their daily experiences more enjoyable. He touched many lives through his years, and he will be missed.

In lieu of cards and flowers, remembrances of Dick may be made to the KQAC – All Classical Portland radio.