Richard "Dick" Green

was the first of three children born to Byron and Berniece Green in Portland, Oregon - and the only son. In 1952, when he was 11, he became a Boy Scout. Scouting was an interest that would stay with him for decades. Dick attended Grant High School for a time, and graduated from Madison High School in June, 1959.

In March, 1960, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as an aviation cadet. During his five years in the service, he was rated as a navigator / bombardier and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. In 1964, while in the Air Force, he became assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 34, headquartered at the Mountain Home AFB in Mountain Home, Idaho. Dick left the Air Force in April, 1965.

By 1968 he was Scoutmaster of Troop 533 in Clackamas, Oregon. Under his leadership, Troop 533 grew to 10 patrols of 12 scouts, one of the largest troops in the country. It was there that he met Judy Lantz, who would later become his wife.

In about 1970, Dick became a professional Boy Scout Executive, and was posted to the Blue Mountain Council, in Kennewick, WA. He married Judy Reynolds Lantz in November, 1973. They lived in Kennewick with Judy’s two daughters. It was there that Dick helped Judy with the photographs and publishing of her book, Natural Dyes from Northwest Plants, printed in 1975.

In 1977 he was transferred to the San Francisco Bay Area Council of the Boy Scouts. He left scouting in 1978, and he and Judy settled in NE Portland.

Dick soon followed Judy into a career of Credit Union management, working in several Credit Unions over 23 years, retiring in 2003.

He and Judy took a special retirement train trip across the country and back, relaxing and enjoying time together, and seeing more of the US. They found they liked traveling. In the years that followed, they went on a few cruises to their favored destination of Alaska. In 2009 they enjoyed a special 2-week cruise with their three adult children to and from Hawaii, and around the islands. Their favorite local vacation spot was the Oregon coast, especially Depoe Bay. The annual Fall Car Show in Seaside was another beach travel excuse.

Dick and Judy began attending Rose City Park United Methodist Church in 2007. Dick became very instrumental in helping to update the church's financial systems. They switched to Montavilla United Methodist Church in 2014, and have enjoyed their friendships and involvement there.

Family was important to both Dick and Judy. They joined in every type of family celebration and meaningful moment. For many years they hosted the late summer backyard gathering, as well as the family Christmas snacking potluck, a tradition which they initiated.

Dick had a lighter side. He enjoyed word puzzles with Judy, and playing games with his kids and grandkids. He and Judy planned individual special times with each of the grandkids. He had fun teasing those who were close to him. Familiar, older TV shows from a more innocent time were his viewing preference; also he would sometimes call his kids to share when a particular OPB special would be airing. He enjoyed M&M figurines, and certain stuffed animals, especially those that would move or sing. At Christmas time, Dick was the one to suggest a drive around town to see the light displays. There were decorations put up for most holidays. He also created special notepads with all 50 states listed, which the whole family continues to use to track car license plates that are spotted around town.

Dick used his enjoyment of photography to take close-up shots of the flowers that always captivated his wife’s attention. He liked to upgrade his camera periodically to improve his photos, particularly of travel scenery and wildlife.

Dick was very close to his mother. In her later years, he helped her to maintain her independence, and helped with handling her daily affairs.

Dick was a devoted husband throughout his marriage, and he and Judy were a very close knit couple. The renewing of their vows for their 40th wedding anniversary was profoundly meaningful to them. In their later years, Dick lovingly cared for his wife through two bouts of cancer, and years of health problems that ensued. He greatly appreciated the support from many friends and family during the three sad and empty years after Judy died, but nothing could fill the large hole that she left in his heart. Now that they are together again in heaven, the sadness is gone and their hearts are again whole.

Dick was a good Christian man, capable, honest to a fault, kind and caring, gentle and thoughtful. He will be missed by many.

Dick died Sunday, March 8, 2019, after a fall at home. Dick was preceded in death by his father, Byron Green; his wife of 42 years, Judy Green; and sister, Donna Copiskey. Dick was caring for his mother, Berniece Green, who sadly outlived him by only 23 days. He is survived by his sister, Bonnie Spillane; 3 step-children, Brian Lantz, Kristi (Bill) Leslie, and Kathi (Chip) Barry; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 nephew, 2 nieces, and 1 great-niece.