Richard Thomas Naughton

After a brief struggle with multiple myeloma, Dr. Richard T. Naughton, 76, passed away peacefully at Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital on December 7, 2011, surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family.

Dick Naughton was born and raised in Great Falls, MT. The oldest of seven children, he graduated from Great Falls Central High School in 1953. He traveled 1200 miles to Marquette University only to meet and fall in love with a fellow Montanan, Joanne Smith. He graduated from Marquette’s School of Dentistry in 1960. After marrying that summer, Dick and Joanne moved to Portland, where he was stationed as a Dental Officer in the U.S. Air Force. Dick entered private practice in 1962 and retired 46 years later in 2008. He immensely enjoyed practicing with his younger brother, Dr. James Naughton, and especially his son, Dr. Michael Naughton. Dick was blessed with an amazing and loyal staff and a wonderful family of patients.

A recognized leader in his profession, Dick held various positions in the Oregon Dental Association culminating as President. In 1998, he was the recipient of the Oregon Academy of General Dentistry’s General Dentist of the Year. He served as a Regent for the International College of Dentists and is a past board member of ODS. Dick enjoyed mentoring other young dentists, particularly through his regional study club participation, and was a part-time clinical instructor at OHSU School of Dentistry. Dick was also an active Rotarian for over 40 years, serving as President of the Northeast Rotary Club.

We remember Dick for his infectious laugh, his wonderful sense of humor, and his caring chairside manner. He cherished his Montana roots and his 96-year-old mother, Winifred. He was proud of his Irish Catholic heritage and showed it through his unfettered loyalty to Notre Dame football. Through the years, he enjoyed his “early bird” morning workouts and tennis games with good friends at the MAC Club, skiing fresh powder with his children, and collecting his winnings after a spirited round of golf. The consummate “do-it-yourselfer,” Dick was also an avid reader and woodworker. But above all else, Dick’s greatest pleasures stemmed from spending time with his family, particularly his eleven grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Joanne; daughters, Kathleen Naughton and Kerrie Stavig (Kyle) and sons, Michael Naughton (Ann), and Thomas Naughton (Sandra). Grandchildren Andrew, Christopher and Patrick Barna; Macy, Jimmy, Joe and Jack Naughton; Kelly and Kasey Stavig; Nicholas and Alexander Naughton. He is also survived by his mother Winifred, sisters Patsy, Jean and June, brothers Jim and Jack.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 3pm Friday, December 16, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1280 NW Saltzman Rd, Portland. Rosary, Thursday December 15, at 5:30pm at St Pius X Catholic Church. A reception to celebrate Dick’s life will be held immediately following the Friday service at the Multnomah Athletic Club, 1849 SW Salmon St, Portland. Private internment.

Remembrances to the Dental Foundation of Oregon (www.smileonoregon.org/charity).

Arrangements under the direction of Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home, Portland, OR.