Richard Clarkson

It is with great sadness that the family of Richard Crosby Clarkson, 68, announces his passing on July 25, 2025, at the Salem Health Care Center in Salem, Oregon, after a long, brave battle with bladder and pancreatic cancer.

A resident of Oakland, Oregon, for 25 years, Rick was born in Gaffney, SC on November 24, 1958 to Thomas Bowen Clarkson, Jr., and Belua Brooks Inman Clarkson. He was raised in the First Baptist Church of Gaffney and was baptized as a young boy. He went to Central School and graduated from the Gaffney Day School in 1967 and attended college at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC.

He moved to Colorado in the early eighties and worked in airport security at Denver International. He later moved to Oakland, Oregon where he loved the lush beauty of the state and took up farming near Oakland. Rick loved animals and adopted many dogs and cats who he lovingly cared for.

He is survived by his brother, William Gordon Clarkson (Lisa) of Gaffney and two sisters, Nancy Clarkson Fowler (Dennis) of Gaffney and Carol Clarkson Fritz (Derek) of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tom and Belua Clarkson, he was predeceased by his partner, James Carl Christiansen, and a brother, Thomas Bowen Clarkson, III. He also lost his beloved Australian Shepherd, Poppy, in the last years.

Rick was a wonderful, kind and compassionate human being and he will be greatly missed by his brother and sisters.

Private services have been held. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society by calling 1-800-227-2345 or by making a donation by mail to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.