Richard George Halousek

Richard G. Halousek died peacefully at his home on March 7, 2023 with family at his side.

    Richard was born to Joseph V. and Ella H. Halousek (Spevacek) near Malin, Oregon in 1922. The midwife at birth was his future wife’s grandmother, Emily Ottoman. He started schooling at the old Carr School when it was located south of Malin, OR, near the California-Oregon border, then attended Malin schools until graduating from Malin High in 1940. During high school, he was very active in FFA parliamentary and public speaking, and as a State Farmer was elected to the office of State Reporter. He often ran the projector at the Broadway Theater in Malin, OR. Richard helped a local machinist and learned the art of welding, which served him through is entire life. Graduation from a Portland business college was followed by a year of welding on Liberty ships in Portland, Oregon. He served three and a half years in the U.S. Merchant Service, first as Purser and then as Radio Officer. He attained the rank of Lieutenant, JG. After the war, during a visit to his home town, Malin, a dance date with Betty M. Ottoman left him with Cupid’s arrow firmly embedded, and he returned to Malin to work as a mechanic and welder. He and Betty were married in June, 1947.

    Richard and Betty built a beautiful home on the eastside of the Tulelake basin on his family's homestead. Here they farmed until retiring from farming in 1985. They then moved to Klamath Falls. His grandson continues to reside and farm on the California homestead; another grandson lives and farms the place outside of Malin where he was born. During his farming years he served as a Malin Chamber of Commerce director; member of the Malin Fire Dept; member of the Newell Elementary School Board; a director for the Newell Grain Grower’s Association, and director for the Tulelake Grower’s Association. He was one of the first members of the Malin Potato Co-Op.

    Richard served as Master of the Malin Masonic Lodge, Worthy Patron of the Prosperity Chapter, O.E.S. and was a member of the Hillah Shrine Drum Corp.

    He enjoyed many years successfully hunting deer with bow-and-arrow, and attending archery tournaments, usually accompanied by Betty’s cousins, Carl, George, and Don Rajnus.

    He and Betty shared a love of golf, as members of Reames Golf and Country Club at Klamath Falls, Oregon. They also loved playing Mountain Brook Village Golf Course in Gold Canyon, Arizona, where Both Richard and Betty achieved their holes-in-one. They were married for almost 71 years, and he always joked she was one for competition. Betty got her second hole-in-one the day after he finally achieved his first.

    Richard attained the rank of Bronze Life Master playing duplicate bridge, often paired with wife, Betty and good friend Teddy Romtevedt. He kept his mind sharp with crosswords and sudoku daily after he quit playing bridge.

    Richard was instrumental in programming and managing databases for the Malin Potato Co-op, and employed his computer knowledge to help his daughter and her husband’s family business, Gold Dust Potato.

    He is survived by his three children: Larry R. Halousek of Klamath Falls, Oregon, married to Theresa O’Leary; Ty J. Halousek, Malin, Oregon, married to Gail Hundley, and Jan Marie, married to William Walker, Malin, Oregon. His wife of 70 years, Betty, passed away in 2018. Other losses of loved ones were his parents, brother Joe Halousek and sister Irene Laird.

    Earth was blessed with this great man for 100 years. He leaves extended and loving family who admired and loved him and his impish wit. Known as “Jedi” ( dědeček in Czech) to his family, he followed his grandkids and great-grandkids' sports and activities.  In his final days he loved watching videos of his great-grandson playing his last year of basketball, and his great-granddaughter ice skating.

    Grandchildren /spouses/great grandchildren: Sandra Marlar, husband, Dale, (Audrey & Fiancé Ducati); Emily Halousek, (Piper, Jaxon, Kendall); Brita Dancel, husband, David, (Ella and Mina); David Halousek, wife, Megan, (Ashlyn and Teagan); Tony Halousek, wife Crystal, (Caden, Zane, Quaid and Asher); Nick Halousek, wife Sherri, (Dominique Leonardo husband, Kevin, Millie, and Royce); Laura Woodley, husband, Noel (Baxlie, Broxton, Nella, Radek); Tricia Walker, (Rory and Mari); Roni Regan, husband Dan, (Sami, Daniel, Darian), and Weston Walker, wife, Katie, (Madison, Wyatt, Waylon)

    Nephews include Gary Halousek and wife, Mary and Neal Halousek and his wife, Bonnie. Richard is also survived by his sweet friend, Karina Lagunas.

   Family graveside service will be held Saturday June 17th 11:00 AM at the Malin, Oregon Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Malin Historical Society, PO Box 29 Malin, Malin Broadway Theater 2110 Broadway, Malin, or Malin Community Service Club PO Box 133 Malin OR 97632.