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Lt. Col. Richard Lightfoot

Richard Lightfoot Obituary

Lightfoot, Lt. Col. Richard 75 Oct. 30, 1939 June 12, 2015 Richard Lightfoot, of Newberg, died of esophageal cancer after a brief stay at the Vancouver VA Community Living Center. He was born in Big Spring, Texas, to A. B. and Vesta (Evans) Lightfoot. He graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, and entered the U.S. Air Force where he served for 28 years. He later received a master's degree from Webster College. Lt. Col. Lightfoot served in two wars, Vietnam and Desert Storm, where he earned the Bronze Star. Upon retiring, he and his wife moved to Newberg. He was very active as a volunteer in the Oregon State Defense Force for 15 plus years, being promoted to the rank of colonel by the governor of Oregon. One of his many accomplishments in the military was the evacuation of more than 2,200 dependents out of Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, in less than 72 hours at the start of Desert Storm. He traveled to 112 countries during his time in the U.S.A.F. serving as a master navigator in 10 different aircraft. After retiring, he was the manager of the McMinnville, Newberg and Woodburn career centers. His next job was manager of the Portland Census Bureau during the 2010 census. He was an administrative specialist with the research and development division of the Portland VA Medical Center preceding his death. Lt. Col. Lightfoot was active in the VFW Post 4015 in Newberg, Military Officers Association of America, Air Force Association, State Guard Association of the United States, Association of the United States Army, American Legion Post 57, Disabled American Veterans and the Military Affiliate Radio System. He was preceded in death by his parents, A. B. and Vesta Lightfoot; and son, Jeff Lightfoot. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; stepsons, Charles and Brian Comfort; daughter- in-law, Lori Lightfoot; granddaughter, Abigail Lightfoot; grandson, Caleb Lightfoot; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Stanley and Barbara Lightfoot; and "son," Mehmet Birbiri of Adana, Turkey. A military honors ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thurs- day, June 25, 2015, in Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 S.E. Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2015, at Lake Bible Church, 4565 S.W. Carman Drive, Lake Oswego, OR 97035. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Deacon's Fund at Lake Bible Church (which provides a helping hand to those hitting a temporary rough spot in their lives) or to the charity of your choice.

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Published by The Oregonian from Jun. 18 to Jun. 21, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Lightfoot

16 Entries

Bob Ammons

April 7, 2024

I worked for Ltc Lightfoot at Incirlik AB. TU 1989-1991 in the Inspector Generals Office. We accomplished alot especially the evacuation at the last minute of all non-essential personnel and dependents. A herculean task for sure. He was my boss, my leader and my friend. So sorry I lost contact. Your Friend Bob Ammons, MSgt USAF Retired.

Basmah Rahman

Planted Trees

David Swinney

April 4, 2016

With sadness I have learned of the passing of my fellow friend and classmate. We were both in the same Undergraduate Navigator Training class 66-11-01 at James Conally AFB at Waco Texas. Before meeting him his reputation preceded him because he was such a good distance runner at Officer Training School at Lackland AFB. We had to be able to run a mile under 8 minutes but Dick ran it in about 5 1/2 minutes without even being in training. We lived in the same barracks and went to the same church together. He urged me on at the car dealership when I bought my first new car in Waco as a 2nd Lt. During that time at Waco Dick bought a new 1965 Mustang, sort of a metallic moss green V8 and we would go to his parents house in Snyder, TX. He always accomplished that in record time. The best dove hunt I was ever on was with Dick out there in west Texas. We would also take our sextants out in the country and shoot the sun for practice.
Dick was a superb navigator. I remember the day after our class had been flying a day celestial mission that the instructor came into the classroom and proudly announced that Dick had accomplished a prefect score on the mission; the only perfect score I ever heard of. It was a great accomplishment. After Nav school he was assigned to C-141 Starlifters at Travis. When I got married in Sacramento he was an usher. I hid my car during the wedding on a local Air Force Base so he couldn't decorate it. When PCS to Germany who should my wife and I see at Rein-Main AB but the world traveler. Not all was fun for Dick back then as one of the jobs they had to do was bring back the bodies of our soldiers we lost in Viet nam. The last time I saw Dick was in San Antonio with his wife. We had attended the same church service and later had them to dinner at our house. It has been rewarding to me to read all of the nice notes about Dick at this guest book. It shows that he was always a great friend and to be known as a friend of God.

Basmah Rahman

March 16, 2016

I only just found out about Dick's passing. I worked with Dick for a mere 7 months while I was at the VA. He was one of the nicest, most engaging men I have ever met. He was unbelievably good at what he did, working with other Veterans and making them feel at ease. He made me feel at ease..and I was very nervous about working there. As a Muslim woman who wears a headscarf, I was incredibly anxious about being surrounded by war veterans who may not react favorably to my presence there. With Dick by my side, I gained their trust and my own "cred" amongst the vets. Dick had the best stories, I could listen to his jokes for hours and looked forward to our chats while recruiting subjects for VA research studies in the main lobby. When I learned about his illness, I couldn't believe that he was still at work...he was so strong and if you didn't know him, you'd never guess what he was going through. On the day I cleared out of my role at the VA, in preparation to move across the country for a new job in DC, Dick was one of a handful of people I made a point to personally visit and say good-bye to. My job at the VA wasn't my dream job, but the opportunity to work with someone like Dick was a blessing that I will always be grateful for. In the Muslim tradition, we always say a prayer for those who pass on which is similar to the Christian saying "ashes to ashes": "Inna illahi wa inna ilayhi raji'oon" - to Him we belong, and to Him we will return. I know Dick is in Heaven and is no longer in pain.

Paula Terry (Collins)

June 29, 2015

I was saddened and surprised to hear of Dicks passing. I always figured I would run into him now and then and relish his ready smile, warm compassionate eyes and that quick wit. I was fortunate enough to work with him at the Newberg Career Center. He was always enthusiastic and eager to start the workday. He went out of his way to empower job seekers with confidence and skills. He treated everyone with utmost integrity and sincere compassion. If a client or coworker needed to talk to him he was readily available. He will be missed, but the enrichment he passed on to so many has helped make this world a better place.

Larry Wolf

June 28, 2015

..... always a man to respect and admire. A friend.

John Chism

June 28, 2015

Dick and I worked together during the 2010 Census operation. He was great to work with. Very thoughtful and a real professional. I enjoyed working with him. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the memorial. Please accept my condolences at this time.

Becky Boyd

June 28, 2015

Pat again I am so sorry for your loss. I was reading the Obituary. and was amazed at all of his great accomplishment. He has a lot of rewards awaiting him in Heaven. A Great Life Lived.

Judi Van Cleave

June 27, 2015

It was so enjoyable working with Dick for the 2010 Census. He was encouraging and spent time with me sharing the importance of the Air Force and my excitement for a grandson receiving an Air Force scholarship at U of P. A sweet man. I remember the "candy poster" we made for him during the last days of the census assignments. Condolences to the family.

Mike Workman-Morelli

June 26, 2015

I was saddened to hear of Dick's passing. I had the pleasure to work with/for Dick at the Newberg Job and Career Center. Dick loved his work. So much so, he just couldn't stay retired. He truly cared about those he served and those who worked for him. He was supportive, cheerful, and always had our backs. He was a rare boss who knew how to manage workers while allowing a fair measure of autonomy. He allowed us the flexibility to serve the Newberg community as their needs required, rather than as dictated by inflexible regulations. Working at the Newberg Job and Career Center was a high point in my time with WorkSource Oregon, largely because of Dick and the comradery he fostered. I will miss seeing him around.

Joe Myers

June 25, 2015

Dick was a good friend and boss. I worked with Dick in the 2010 Census. I've never had such a carrying and grateful boss as Dick was. He is missed..

Shawn

June 23, 2015

I worked with Dick durning the 2010 census he was wonderful to work for. He will be greatly miss by all who have had the honor to meet him.

Dave & Gail Talbot

June 23, 2015

Mrs Lightfoot so sorry for your loss. He will be missed. I served with Dick for 5 years in the SDF. He recruited me for AMSOIL. He was a friend and respected leader. May God Bless Him!

Michael & Debbie Burns

June 22, 2015

I knew Dick by working with him doing the 2010 Census. Dick was our Local Census Office Manager and ran all our Census operations in Portland. As the Deputy Regional Director in Seattle, I had worked the 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2010 Census. I have hired, supervised or managed hundreds of managers during these 4 Censuses. Without any hesitation on my part, Dick was one of the top 5 managers with whom I had the pleasure to work. Whatever the tasks or operation at hand, Dick led his staff to completion before the deadline and under budget. His military training certainly was an asset in a Census environment. His professional manner and his good sense of humor made his Portland office the best of our 34 Local Census Offices for the 2010 Census.
It was hard to hear of Dick's passing. At least he is no longer suffering.

Debbie and I wish to extend our condolences to his family and Dick will be in our prayers.

Dennis Carmody

June 22, 2015

I knew Dick through work and he was actually on the panel that hired me as a veterans representative many years ago. He was always a friend as well as a great guy to work and socialize with. I am saddened and surprised at this time. RIP Dick, you were a good man and the world is less without you.

Harvey Polishuk

June 21, 2015

I served in the USAF with LTC Lightfoot as his senior NCO. I saw him as a leader, a mentor and a friend who set high standards for himself and those who had the privilege to have known him. His values of honestly, loyalty, kindness and mentorship are his gift to all those who knew him and were touch by him. RIP

CMSgt Harvey Polishuk USAF (RET)

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