Richard Brooks Durden

Richard Brooks Durden, aged 82, passed away on January 8, 2024, in Tigard, Oregon. Born on the last day of the summer of 1941, Richard lived a vibrant life marked by creativity, service, and loyalty to family.

Richard's early years were characterized by a burgeoning talent for the arts. A self-taught watercolor artist and designer, he embraced this path without formal training, beginning his artistic journey at the tender age of 12. His career in art and design was distinguished and varied. He worked at Stanford Research Institute from 1967 to 1973, and later at Freightliner's art department until 1991. Following these roles, he founded his own creative services agency, producing a wide range of projects for clients and displaying his work in galleries across the Portland Metro area and North Coast.

Richard was also known for his humor and warmth. His home in the Cedar Hills neighborhood, where he resided for 50 years, was often filled with laughter from water fights and impromptu comedy sketches. His "Durden" sense of humor, deriving from dark English comedy, was not always well understood by others. He provided significant support to his family, raising his granddaughter Angela with his wife Kathy, and diligently caring for his aging parents over many years.

Surviving Richard are his wife of 57 years, Kathy (Robinson) Durden; sister Alice Krahn; daughter Lisa Durden; nieces Jennen Javaso, Rosie Thompson, and Donna Kay; nephew Richard Krahn; granddaughter Angela (Durden) Ross; grandson-in-law Anthony Ross; and family friend Tracy Todd. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Marion Durden, and brother Eddie Durden.

Richard's life was one of creative achievement and humble support of his family. Richard demonstrated extraordinary resolve and courage at the end of his life. He was cherished by those who knew him, and will be remembered.