Richard William Stoeser

For those who knew him, Rick Stoeser was a bit of a throwback. He believed in hard work, honesty, keeping his word, and taking care of his family. He was a steady, supportive presence in our lives, especially when life was difficult. He wasn’t one to make a fuss about himself. Even as his health declined, his familiar response was, “I’m fine.” He said it right up until the end.

Rick grew up in Spokane, Washington, as one of nine children. Over the years, we heard countless stories of the adventures he and his siblings shared. He also had a mischievous streak in his twenties and thirties, particularly during his time in Portland. Some of those stories are probably best left out of print.

After starting a family in his early thirties, Rick settled into life as a husband, father, and small-business owner. He started a general contracting business and took real pride in his craftsmanship. Doing a job right mattered more to him than making the most money. He was the kind of man who could do business with a handshake, and people knew his word meant something.

Rick loved the outdoors. His children have wonderful memories of camping trips when they were young. Later, thanks to his brother Steve, who sold the family a property near Newport, Washington, Rick found the perfect place for his endless projects. Retirement never meant sitting still. He always needed something to “putz” around with, and he spent countless hours turning the property into a park-like gathering place. It became a place for campfires, family stories, flannel shirts, shanked golf shots, and a steady supply of cheap beer.

At the center of Rick’s life was his wife, Lynda. They shared 48 years of marriage, a loving partnership, and a lifetime of memories. They were there for each other through all of life’s seasons. He also absolutely adored his grandchildren, and we will always treasure the moments they shared together.

Rick faced significant health challenges in his later years, including advanced COPD and congestive heart failure. Even during difficult trips to the emergency room, he insisted he was fine. Lynda would tease him about being a martyr with the nurses, who often called him a model patient. His mind remained remarkably sharp until his final months, even as breathing became increasingly difficult. We choose to remember the man beyond those struggles: his quiet strength, his humor, and the beautiful spirit that his failing body could never fully contain.

Rick is survived by Lynda Stoeser, his wife of 48 years; his daughter, Kayla Tellefson; his son, Mark Stoeser; and his beloved grandchildren, Elly, Josie, and Mac Tellefson, and Penelope Stoeser. He is also survived by his brothers John, Tom, Steve, and Jeff Stoeser, and his sisters Cindy McGaugh, Vicki Sears, and Barbie Stoeser. He joins his sister Candy Rickey in heaven.

The lessons Dad passed on were simple, but they were the ones that mattered: love your family, be there for people, work hard, be honest, keep your word, and do your best each day. He didn't just talk about those values, he lived by them.

Dad, we love you so much. Thank you for everything you did for us and for the lifetime of memories you gave us, through the good times and the hard ones. You were a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. We wish you an eternity of peace. Please watch over us until we meet again.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be planned, with details to be shared at a later date. To all our family and friends who have reached out with love and support, thank you. We love you, too.