In memory of

Richard James DeFerrari

Sep 2, 1934
Dec 10, 2022

Obituary

Richard James DeFerrari was born September 2, 1934 in Oakland CA, to parents Louis Valentine DeFerrari and Lila (Miller) DeFerrari.  Dick and his wife Jacqueline Maureen (Snell) DeFerrari lived a storied life in Oregon with their three boys.

Dick and Jackie taught their family an appreciation of the great outdoors where they enjoyed camping, fishing and hiking. This is how they spent special weekends and family vacations, a favorite spot being on the North Umpqua River.

Being an avid fly fisherman, Dick and Jackie spent many summers riding horseback into Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness where they fished on the Sun River and camped off-grid for weeks at a time, enjoying the fishing and beauty of the adventure.

After retiring from NW Natural, Jackie and Dick enjoyed full lives traveling the US and several other countries. They headed South every winter to extend their outdoor adventures, which included daily rounds of golf and socializing with their friends.

Dick was a die-hard Oregon State Beaver fan, and he and Jackie followed football, soccer, baseball and basketball. His home-baked family recipe focaccia bread was a staple at parties where it thrilled family and guests alike. His annual vegetable garden was a visual masterpiece and great source of pride.

Dick and Jackie made friends everywhere they went.

Dick reached the end of his path at age 88 on December 10, 2022. He was a US Army 82nd Airborne Division Veteran and will be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery.

Dick is survived by his wife Jacqueline, sons Jefferson (Mary) and Rick, and sister Cheryl Wall (Terry) along with their children Jason and Amanda. He was preceded in death by his son Lance.

The family is honoring Dick’s request for no memorial service. Memorial contributions can be made to Deschutes Land Trust https://www.deschuteslandtrust.org/

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Susan Ackerman says:

    Dick was the rates manager at NWN when I was a young regulatory attorney. So, he was my main client there. What a remarkable person he was! I learned so much from him, and so enjoyed him and Jackie. I am glad that he had so much fun in his retirement. He certainly deserved it.

  2. Linda Williams says:

    Jackie and Family. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Dick was one special guy. I always enjoyed exchanging jokes with him over the years. Most of them would not be acceptable now but we would laugh our heads off. Dick was a real asset to Gasco. RIP Dick and keep the laughter going. Hugs

  3. Pat Elmore says:

    I enjoyed many a golf outing with both Dick and Jackie. They are special people for sure!! Love n hugs until we meet again!!

  4. Paul Corso says:

    I worked with Dick a short time in Albany Or. My family enjoyed the times we had with the DeFerrari family.
    Dick was a swell guy and friend to many. God Bless

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