More detail on this person: Richard Allen Highhouse, 74 of the Forest Grove community, died Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at Providence St. Vincent Hospital. Private Cremation Rites, Hoyt Crematory, Forest Grove, Oregon. Tuesday March 22, 2022, Richard Allen Highhouse (Dick), loving husband and father of two children, passed away. Dick was born to June Estella and Leroy Victor Highhouse, and grew up in Tigard, Oregon. The youngest of four siblings, he graduated from Tigard High School and subsequently enlisted in the United States Army. He served two tours of foreign duty in the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he married Betty Mollman and became the father of two children, Nicole Yvette (Nicci) and Richard Donovan (Donny). In the early 80's Dick married Nina Highhouse (`nee Cerami) who remained his devoted partner for life. To say that Dick loved to fly is an understatement. He first took to the air in the military as a helicopter pilot, where he flew the Bell UH-1 Iroquois (aka "Huey") helicopter in combat and rescue missions as a member of the 1st Air Cavalry in Vietnam. It was during his second voluntary tour on January 6, 1970, that he was awarded the Silver Star, a decoration bestowed by the US Army upon a soldier for gallantry in action. His time in the military brought with it a lifetime of close friendships. Dick greatly cherished his "Army buddies" for the rest of his life and would often join in regular reunions. Stories abound about their antics in Vietnam, including acts of heroism for which he was recognized. His friends were exceptionally loyal - even during his later years when limitations on mobility made it difficult - driving hours to pick him up and chauffeur him to social events and maintaining weekly check-in calls. Dick was a dedicated father to Nicci and Donny and frequently took them on adventures. He always endeavored to give his kids fun, educational, and memorable life experiences including fishing and the occasional hunting trip, airplane, motorcycle excursions, waterskiing and watercraft, and a three-month stay at Fort Rucker, Alabama (where he trained on flying Chinook helicopters for the US Army). Professionally, Dick was an incredibly hard worker. Starting as a journeyman, he quickly earned his plumbing license, and eventually started his own business, Valley Plumbing and Heating. When his time wasn't invested in his profession, he could regularly be found plowing gardens and fields, chopping firewood, hauling gravel with his dump truck, and even building his and his wife's dream house on acres of gorgeous Gales Creek property. He and his wife Nina enjoyed motorcycle rides, waterskiing with the kids, many visits to the Oregon Coast, long drives to various areas in Washington state and around Oregon. They also enjoyed many weekend getaways camping in their truck camper. They loved to check out local towns visiting great restaurants and visiting local friends for dinners and having lots of fun and camaraderie. Let's not forget about Dick's soft side and his love of animals. Most of his life was spent with a dog walking at his side. From Sophie, the family basset hound of his childhood to his Dachshunds Beau, Elizabeth, Molly, Stella, Gracie and Andy, Dick doted on his little buddies. In his early years as a laborer, he would often rescue birds from building sites, caring for them until they could be released. One such bird - a pigeon named Homer - stayed and lived in a comfy birdhouse in the back yard, courtesy of Mr. Highhouse. Around the time of his retirement, Dick was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Soon after, he was additionally diagnosed with Dementia. Dick also lived with Diabetes for many years. His passing was brought on by the progression of these conditions. Dick was a sweet, stubborn, compassionate, brave, hard-working man who loved to dream big and laugh. His sly, gap-toothed smile could brighten a day or melt your heart. Dick has gone on to join his parents and brothers, Patrick and James. He is survived by his wife Nina; his children, Nicci and Donny, and his sister Margaret.
This information was last updated 01/29/2023
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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