Richard Louis "Dick" Fowler

Richard Louis Fowler, Sr. "Dick", age 88 of Roseburg went to be with his Lord on March 4, 2015 after a short illness. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at home with his wife, Ruth. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on March 1, 2015.

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Dick held a variety of jobs. One of his earliest favorites was at Pan American being a member of a crash boat on the bay escorting airplanes like the China Clipper and others which after landing on the bay were towed to the dock. In 1944 Dick enrolled in the US Navy during World War II, completed his training and was permanently assigned to San Francisco across the dock from Pan American. In 1945 Dick married the love of his life, Ruth whom he'd met at church camp at St. Helena, California.

Dick joined Sunnyvale Public Safety July of 1956 as a Policeman and Fireman. In April 1965, he accepted the position of Fire Chief for the City of Roseburg. During his tenure he also served as Acting City Manager. He was President of the Oregon Fire Chief's Association 1972-1973. Fulfilling a lifelong desire, he completed his law degree. One of his fondest memories was meeting Ronald and Nancy Reagan in Eugene in a private meeting.

Dick liked teaching. He was Training Officer for Sunnyvale Public Safety. He also worked with the FBI during special training sessions with the Sunnyvale Police division. He loved teaching Sunday School classes; diligently praying and preparing each week for the next lesson.

In 1974 Dick and Ruth purchased the Bible Book Center which quickly prospered. In 1975 he joined Ruth full time until their retirement in 1991. During this time and in the years following they made many trips celebrating births, birthdays, graduations, and marriages. They particularly enjoyed their trip to Finland seeing the town where Ruth's mother was born; visiting England and Russia on the same trip. Hawaii beckoned them frequently where they enjoyed the islands, attended village churches and searched out used book stores.

Dick was a devoted husband, a loving dad, a proud grandfather, and a doting great-grandfather who always gave of himself, his time, his talents, and his daily prayers for his entire family and their needs. He loved fly fishing, BBQs, and playing games with his kids, grand-kids and friends. He finally out-witted the deer and harvested a yearly garden of vegetables and fruits.

Above all, Dick loved God and was active in all the churches he attended. Teaching or attending services fed his curiosity while expanding his knowledge of God and growing in his faith in God. Dick and Ruth enjoyed their morning Bible Study and prayed daily for their ever-growing family and friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter Carolyn Louise.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Ruth, daughter Jan and husband Jerry Gaffney, son Richard Jr and wife Peggy, daughter Shirley and husband Tim Brady, ten grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, his brother Carl Firstbrook and wife Jean, his sister Marie, and cousins Lee and Burgess Drake, Irene Creager, and Jan Crassi.

There will be a viewing at Wilson's Chapel of the Roses, 965 W Harvard March 13, 2015 from 4 pm until 7pm. Funeral Services are at Garden Valley Church, 3047 Garden Valley Rd, Roseburg at 3pm, officiating will be his grandson Matt Brady, Administrative Pastor ; potluck following. Interment will be Monday, at 1:00 pm at Roseburg Memorial Gardens, 1056 W Hicks St off Garden Valley Blvd, next to his mother, officiating will be his grandson Stephen Gaffney, Pastor at Central Park Neighborhood Church in Aberdeen, Washington.

A special Thank You to his grand-daughter, Sheri Brady for her compassionate and loving care for Dad. Thank You to Tender Home Care associates for providing additional 24/7 care for Dad. Thank You to Nick from Amedisys for making Dad's final days peaceful and comfortable. With everyone's assistance Dick was able to stay with his beloved wife, Ruth at their apartment at Oak Park Assisted Living, who are also thanked for their many acts of care and compassion.