Richard Michael Zahursky

Richard Michael Zahursky passed away peacefully April 27, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 2, 1939 to Michael and Suzie Zahursky. Richard, their first born son was a loving big brother to John, Marge, Ed and Betty Mae.

Over all Rich’s 84 years of life, his one constant love was for the Lord Jesus Christ. He was baptized at Pentecostal Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lakewood, Ohio on April 16, 1939. He was confirmed at Pentecostal Evangelical Lutheran Church on June 28th, 1953.

He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1957. Rich joined the US Navy on October 2, 1958. He was stationed at San Diego Naval Base in California and served on the Naval Ship the USS Hopewell.

After serving 4 years, he moved north to Los Angeles, California where he met the love of his life, Karen Lee Swenningson. They were married on Dec 20, 1963. Their union embodied unwavering and boundless love and friendship for 60 years.

They started married life in Los Angeles and welcomed their first daughter Leigh in September 1964. They then moved to Portland, Oregon.

Rich attended Portland State University to study Business Administration. In Portland, he worked as a purchasing agent for Custom Stamping and as a manager at Central Fabricators.

They bought their first home in Milwaukie, Oregon where Paula was born in January 1968 and Janine in January 1971.

In 1975, the family moved to Gresham, Oregon. Rich and Karen became members of Ascension Lutheran Church and have been active members ever since. He served as an Elder, sang in the choir and volunteered for countless church activities. His faith never wavered, and on April 27 at 8pm he went into the arms of his Savior.

Rich started a small-parts side business in his garage, working evenings and weekends. This company became Rikar Enterprises, named after his and Karen’s first initials. In 1985 he purchased Pioneer Trailer and Fabrication and operated both companies under one roof. Today the company is thriving and employs all 3 of his daughters, his 3 sons-in-laws and 3 grandsons. It stands as a legacy and tribute to Rich and Karen’s hard work and dedication to generously provide for their family.

Rich and Karen have many dear lifelong friends dating back to when they first met and married and they collected countless more at church, from their interests and business. Rich was charismatic, had a generous spirit and a kind loving heart. Rich and Karen loved to travel and took many trips all over the world, often with friends. Rich had many interests and hobbies. He was a Rotarian. He and Karen were on bowling leagues; they square danced and played cards in a pinochle group. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, golf and the Cleveland Browns. He also loved to sing and play the accordion and his favorite song was “You Are My Sunshine”. Rich’s pride and joy was his family and he loved spending time with them. He especially adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren and was a loving supportive Papa in all of their lives.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife Karen, his daughters and son-in-laws; Leigh Blubaum (Scott), Paula Jacobson (Todd) and Janine Phillippi (Steven), his grandchildren Joe (Hollie), Jacob (Amber), Bryce, Brady, Karlee (fiancé Josue), Korina, Sydney, Trevor and Mason; his great grandchildren Ethan, Emma, Hunter, Lily, Bentley and Piper; his siblings; John, Ed (Maureen), Marge and Betty, and brother- in -law Aaron (Fran) and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be on May 16th, 2023 at 1:00pm at Ascension Lutheran Church at 1440 SE 182nd Ave Portland OR 97233.

The family suggests donations in Richard's name to the Oregon Food Bank.