Richard Evan Blaine

    Richard Evan Blaine passed away September 1, 2022, in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He was born May 16, 1956, in Mesa, Arizona, to Frank Francis Blaine, Sr. and Meta Hannelore (Gembe) Blaine.

    Richard was raised Catholic, and attended Catholic school. He often recalled some of the mischief he created, but also developed a strong belief system, and was known to read the Bible regularly. He was especially well versed on the Ten Commandments. His favorite, and one he often quoted to his children, was commandment number five: “Honor your father and your mother.” His children recall this with a smile.

    Richard was married to wife Sherrie for thirty years, until their divorce. He worked as a meat cutter for Safeway stores, until a tragic fall left him permanently disabled. A few years later, he developed diabetes, and eventually lost both his legs to amputation.

    His interests included working on cars, especially his beloved Chevy Nomad. He was a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan, and made sure his children were properly decked out in Tigers gear. When he passed away while undergoing dialysis treatment, his Detroit Tigers hat was close by.

    Despite his many physical challenges, Richard remained a positive presence to those he interacted with. He was loved by staff at Plum Ridge Care Center, where he lived his final months. One Christmas, to entertain his granddaughter, he hung Christmas ornaments from his beard. He made a number of good friends there. He is also remembered with affection at the dialysis clinic, where he received treatment weekly.

    Richard Evan Blaine will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Meta Blaine.

    Richard leaves behind his children: Richard Blaine II, and wife Melissa; Christopher Blaine and wife Jessica; Jonathan Blaine and wife Kathleen; siblings Frank Blaine Jr. and wife Menchie; David Blaine and wife Diana; and Heide Ratliff and husband Ron. There are ten grandchildren: Mason, Richard III, Jack, Jaxson, Devon, Shelly, Nathaniel, Kaelyn, Evelyn, and Hank. He also had four nephews and nieces.