Richard Wilbur Whitmore, age 70, went to be with Jesus and dear friends Friday. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born in Cody, Wyoming to Wilbur Elgin and Catherine (Shook) Whitmore. His first 19 years were spent in Cody where he played football, hunted with friends, and worked on the family ranch.

He served in the Artillery Unit of the National Guard in Wyoming and Oregon.

When he was 19, he moved with his family to a dairy farm near Halsey, Oregon. He and his brother, Kent, finished high school at Central Linn in 1961.

He loved all things in nature and loved to hunt and fish.

He married Rosemary Dybdahl October 21, 1966. During the last weeks of his life, he said, “I have set a goal. I am going to live until October 22nd for our anniversary.” He kept his promise plus a little. It was a wonderful 43rd anniversary gift.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; daughter of Colorado Springs; son, Michael Whitmore of Sweet Home; his sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Roger Fox; nephews, Ethan, Brent, and Brian Carlson; niece, Erin Strobeck; and grand niece, Mariah Strobeck.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 28 at the First Baptist Church of Brownsville on Seven Mile Lane. Donations in Richard’s name can be given to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice in Albany, Oregon.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling services.