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Richard Clayton Moore
Richard “Dick” Clayton Moore passed away at home surrounded by his favorite wife and his children in Vancouver, WA, on July 2, 2020, at the age of 84. He was born February 29, 1936, in Longview, WA, the son of Mary (nee Parsons) and James A. Moore. He was the youngest of six siblings. He went to local schools, having to walk uphill both ways in the snow wearing his sister’s hand-me-down shoes with warm potatoes (Murphys) in his pockets. At 17, he followed his brothers and enlisted in the Navy where he served as a boilerman on the U.S.S Cook, U.S.S Algol, U.S.S. Salisbury Sound, and the U.S.S. Knudson. He said the greatest adventure of his life was serving his country aboard ship. Following his time in the Navy, Dick worked at several jobs before finding his second favorite career. Dick loved being a Stationary Engineer (IUOE Local No. 39 San Francisco). He worked in several bay area hospitals and eventually retired after nearly 20 years at Kaiser Santa Clara. He was very proud of his work and often spoke fondly of his time serving with the great staff at each hospital in which he worked. Dick enjoyed music, reading, Sue’s cooking, making knives, anything sci-fi especially Star Wars, comics, motorcycles, camping with his family, reunions with his shipmates, dressing up for Renaissance Faires and Halloween. He was also involved with fostering for a small dog rescue where he met and fell in love with several pups that became his beloved fur babies. Dick was known for years as a proud father, a marching band enthusiast and an avid supporter when his daughters were part of the Mountain View High School Marching Band (CA). Later, Dick was “The Pirate Grandpa” to his two grandsons. Grown now, the boys have come to realize that he was not actually a pirate but they still treasure the adventures, stories and cherished memories. He will be remembered for his love of classic movies, old cars and collectibles, supporting his girl’s interest in marching band and Girl Scouts, his ability to tell a good story or a dirty joke, getting tattoos with his grandsons, playing board and card games, and family. Dick’s quick wit, quirky sense of humor, and devilish grin left most people laughing and shaking their heads at the same time. He was a proud founding member of American Legion Post 881 Moffett Field, California, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3982, Santa Clara, California. Dick was well known at Moffett Field as Santa Claus (with Sue as his Mrs. Claus) as they served the families of deployed service persons for many years, visiting with and handing out presents to their children. Santa was pretty excited to arrive by military helicopter, too! (Mrs. Claus, not so much.) Dick is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Virginia Boardman and Charlotte Busby, brothers, Robert Moore and James L. Moore; brother-in-law, Bradley Spencer; and sister-in-law, Debbi Spencer (nee Fogli). Dick is survived by Susan (nee Spencer), his loving and devoted wife of 42 years; daughters, Teresa (Bradley) Chagnon of Los Banos, CA; Madelon Moore of Vancouver, WA; and Jaimie (Travis) Moore-Ayers of Gresham, OR; grandchildren, Joshua (Mia) Chagnon and Michael Chagnon of Los Banos, CA; great grandchildren, Dylan, Matthew, and Lilliana; his sister, Lynn Dutcher of Vancouver, WA; sisters-in-law, Jean Moore (nee Moore) of Belmont, CA, and Rene Spencer (nee Miller) of Morgan Hill, CA; brother-in-law, Robert Spencer of Vancouver, WA; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews with fun memories of their Uncle Dick. At Dick’s request, there will be no services. In lieu of a formal service, be with friends, raise a glass of the Irish and give a toast “to Dick!” He’d appreciate that. The family of Dick Moore wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Kaiser Hospice.February 29, 1936 - July 2, 202002/29/193607/02/2020
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Richard Clayton Moore
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