Richard Lee Detherage transitioned from this world and into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, August 24, 2024, due to a motorcycle accident near Estacada, Ore.
Richard was born to Richard (Dick) and Geraldine Detherage on September 20, 1952, in Gresham, Ore. He made his entrance early, just in time for his Aunt Sherry’s 17th birthday. He was raised in Boring, Ore., attending Boring Grade School and graduating from Sandy Union High School in 1970.
Richard married the love of his life, Rebecca Staley on June 7, 1975. They raised their son Christopher and daughter Denita in the same Boring neighborhood as Richard’s parents.
Richard was employed by Freightliner from 1971-1995 before accepting a full-time position with the Boring Fire Department as a firefighter/EMT in 1995. He had previously served the department as a volunteer for 17 years.
An ordained minister of the Assemblies of God denomination, Richard began his life of ministry in 1980 at the family’s church, Sandy Assembly of God, serving as music minister until 1990. During that time, the choir became well-known in the community for Singing Christmas Tree and Living Cross productions during the Christmas and Easter seasons. Richard accepted a similar position at Oregon City Assembly of God in 1990, before becoming the senior pastor at Damascus Assembly of God where his uncle, Leonard Parker, had originally served as pastor. Richard and Becky moved to Silverton, Ore. to serve as senior pastors at Silverton Assembly of God from 2004 until he retired in 2014.
Looking for something to do during retirement, Richard began working for The Red Cross, using skills he learned as an EMT.
In 2021, Richard left the Red Cross intending to retire completely. However, the opportunity opened for him to serve as interim senior pastor at Estacada Assembly of God. He and Becky accepted the challenge in the spring of this year, moving from Silverton to Estacada August 15.
Richard also served as the chaplain for the Oregon Volunteer Firefighters Association from 1993 until 2013, receiving the President’s award in 2011 and the Lifetime achievement award in 2013. Each year that Oregon lost a firefighter in the field, Richard traveled to the National Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Md., to support Oregon firefighters and their families. He also officiated many of the weddings and funerals for firefighters and their families while serving as chaplain.
He enjoyed hunting and riding his motorcycle, but his greatest love was his family. Whether coaching them in sports or encouraging them in music, he was always present.
Richard is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Becky, his son Christopher (Renee) and daughter Denita (Chris) Salmela. He and Becky are the proud grandparents of Halley (Erik), Taylor, Christopher (Savanna), Brooklyn, Alec (Kaykay) and Gracee. They have two great-grandchildren and a third due to arrive later this fall. He is also survived by his mother, Geraldine Detherage Randol of Portland, Ore. and two sisters, Nancy (Russ) Ridgeway and Linda (Chris) Smith both of Sandy, Ore. He was preceded in death by his father, Dick Detherage in 1985. He also leaves behind a large extended family and a multitude of friends.
In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard, Attn: OFSHG Donation, 25030 SW Parkway Ave Suite 330, Wilsonville, OR 97070 or at www.ofshg.org
https://gofund.me/2d41b8da