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Dick Edmondson

February 19, 1925 — December 7, 2015

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Celebration Of Life

V F W Hall Post 67

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Starts at 12:00 pm (Pacific time)

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Dick Edmondson

90 Years Young On February 19, 1925, Dick Nichols Edmondson entered this mortal world with the same exuberance we have come to know and love in these later years. His dear mother, Della Tash (known as "Pete"), said that she found him under a rock, but I believe more conservative methods took place. He was born in Madras, Oregon. In his youth he scoured the Crooked River Gorge for arrowheads and other memorable pieces. Dick was only five years old when his father was killed in an automobile accident. Well, Pete gathered her flock: 4 sons and 1 daughter, Melissa Mae and headed for Heppner, Oregon. There, the kids ran the ranch and went to school. Dick starred in the football team while in high school. When World War II came about, Dick joined the U.S. Navy, responsible for the operation of big boats' diesel engines and their air conditioning systems. When he was discharged from the Navy he returned to a "peaceful" USA. He picked up some useful skills about mechanics and air conditioning. He made it all the way to California, one of the jobs he had was as a traveling photographer, snapping up a storm. His job was taking portraits of families in their own homes. Here he met his adoring and worshipped bride to be, John Etta Barrows, known as Johnnie. She was his boss/ owner at the Tahoe Studios. They sold the Studio and were married and moved to the suburbs. They raised three children: Vickye Jan Edmondson (Dennis West), William George Edmondson (Cassie Vandiver), and Melodee Gay Edmondson (Steve Vandiver). Dick had numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, nieces, nephews, and every kind of relation one could imagine. The family enjoyed indoor and outdoor sports including camping, fishing, storytelling, collecting, card playing, and square dancing to mention a few. Dick loved people. He learned to listen and listened to learn. He would never miss a meeting of minds, or to help someone who needed a hand. He often cited that he was "sailing uncharted waters" he'd never been this far before! But he was guided by The Navigator! All's well, he would find his way. There will be a celebration of life meeting January 7, 2016, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m., at the VFW Hall, 2784, Stockton Boulevard.

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