Richard M. “Dick” Caplinger passed away on Nov. 14, 2023 surrounded by family at his home in Hermiston at the age of 83 after a long battle with chronic kidney disease.
He was born on Feb. 18, 1940 in Portland.
Dick grew up on a wheat ranch between Pendleton and Pilot Rock with his brother, Bill and parents, Lowell and Billie. He enjoyed exploring the countryside with his brother, pranking cousins, and working on the farm. He attended schools in Pendleton, graduating in 1958 and moving on to the University of Oregon. Dick enlisted in the Army in 1961 during the Bay of Pigs conflict and was stationed at Loring Air Force Base in northeastern Maine (now decommissioned).
After his service Dick continued his college education at Eastern Oregon University, where he met his wife-to-be, Susan Baker. They married the next year and moved to Eugene, where they both attended the University of Oregon. After graduation, Dick received a job offer from Pendleton Grain Growers, where he remained for 41 eventful years, residing briefly in Pendleton before moving permanently to Hermiston.
Dick and Susan had two children, Derek and Shelly. Dick enjoyed supporting their many interests (band concerts, dance recitals, 4-H shows and more), but with two parents who were avid tennis players, it was only natural for the kids to join the family sport. There were many fun years of kids vs. parents matches. Dick was quite proud when the younger generation started winning; he had taught them well. In time, his two granddaughters would take up the sport and the whole family could be seen on the courts in Hermiston, racquets in hand. Dick’s family was everything to him. He loved being a dad; he loved being a grandpa. He loved road trips and looked forward to family trips to the mountains, the coast, national parks and theme parks. He cherished family
traditions like making Christmas cookies with his kids and grandkids. In recent months, family game night was especially fun for him. Dick was an active member in Hope Presbyterian Church in Stanfield, later transferring to Faith Presbyterian Church in Hermiston. He was a deacon, an elder, and a treasurer in both churches for many years. He enjoyed supporting the children of the congregation; their singing, skits and plays warmed his heart. Dick is survived by his wife, Susan; son, Derek (Carol); daughter, Shelly; and granddaughters, Addison and Mallory.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Billie and Lowell Caplinger, and his brother, William Caplinger.
A memorial service will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church in Hermiston on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 at 1 p.m., with a reception immediately following.
A family interment at Pleasant View Cemetery in Stanfield will be held earlier in the day.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vange John Memorial Hospice Education Fund, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Please share memories of Dick with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
Your spirit is free but lives on in your family. Condolences to your family
An old friend of Susan.
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