Richard "Dick" Henry Weitzel

Richard "Dick" Henry Weitzel, a first generation son of Norka immigrants, was born in Portland, OR on December 26th, 1935 to Henry Weitzel and Margaret (Lehr) Weitzel. He was raised in North Portland with his brother, Dale Weitzel and sister, Barbara (Weitzel) Johnson. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1953. He then attended Portland State University.

Dick exchanged wedding vows with Marilyn Alice Pollock on August 18th, 1956 at Moreland Presbyterian Church. The two were engaged on Valentine's Day of that same year. They were married for 59 years, just shy of their 60th anniversary. Dick and Marilyn were blessed with four children, Steven W, David H, Susan M, and Richard L.

Dick started his working career as a paperboy for the Oregonian delivering to the floating homes along the Columbia River. He was proud of being awarded a trip to the Bay Area for the most papers delivered. He and Marilyn even had an early morning date delivering papers together. Dick's first job in the hauling industry was working for Buz Walker, his good friend and pinochle playing partner at the Blow Fly Tavern. In 1965 he purchased his first garbage hauling company, servicing the Ladd's Addition neighborhood for 20 years. In addition, in 1978 he and two partners, Ray Salvi and John Trout, formed SWATCO Sanitary Service in Western Washington county. He retired in 2006 while keeping the businesses in the family.

Dick spent many years in the Portland Softball Association as a fastpitch pitcher. He was known as Whitey in the softball community with a very mean changeup. His fame even extended to the Erv Lind Stadium concession stand where they served the "Weitzel Burger" for years. He pitched his last no hitter at the age of 50. He also coached Little League for many years in the Kenton and Mt Sylvania Little Leagues.

He had many nicknames and was known to his family and close friends as "Big D".

Dick and Marilyn travelled extensively within the states and abroad. Their favorite travel companions were his sister, Barb and brother-in-law, Dick and close friends, Paul and Connie. Dick enjoyed fishing and golfing with friends and family, and constructing model airplanes and trains.

Dick passed away after a long struggle with Lewy Body Dementia on October 11th, 2022 in Portland, OR. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Henry; his loving wife, Marilyn; his sister, Barb; and grandson, Rory; friends and business partners Ray and John.

He is survived by his brother, Dale (Martha); his four children, Steve (Laura), David (Candice), Susan Davis (Derek), and Rich (Sylvia); 17 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Dick's Life will be held at Skyline Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home on October 22nd at 2pm followed by a reception.

Remembrances may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.skylinememorialgardens.com for the Weitzel family.

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