Richard Lee Pelham

Richard Lee Pelham, 75, passed away peacefully at home in Grants Pass, Oregon, on August 8, 2025, surrounded by family, following a courageous battle with cancer and complications from congestive heart failure.

Richard was born in Casper, Wyoming, on September 23, 1949. He grew up in Los Angeles, California, and graduated from Alameda High School in Denver, Colorado, in 1967. He went on to attend Pacific Union College, studying U.S. History, Aeronautics, Bible, English, and Art Appreciation. After a car accident that broke his back, he returned to Los Angeles to recover and begin a new chapter, working in the music industry as a record promoter for MGM Records, Liberty Records, and Liberty/UA Recording Co.

In 1973, Richard moved to Grants Pass, where he met his soulmate Rhonda and began his family with her and her one-year-old daughter, Holly. He embraced fatherhood wholeheartedly and built a life rooted in faith and service.

Richard was a lifelong entrepreneur-an inventor, storyteller, and visionary. He created board games, wrote original stories, and pursued new ideas with curiosity and joy. He became a licensed pilot, returned to college to study psychology at Sierra College, and later took courses in Real Estate Law, Practice, and Finance. He earned a degree in healthiatry from the American Institute of Holistic Theology.

He was also a carpenter by trade, known for his skill, precision, and dedication to honest work. Whether building homes or helping neighbors, Richard brought integrity and care to every project.

His life's trajectory changed in 1993 when Rhonda suffered a debilitating stroke. Richard then devoted himself fully to being a loving husband and caretaker, and a steady father to Holly and Terra. Rhonda's unwavering faith and positive attitude despite her impairments were a daily inspiration of God's faithfulness-an anchor for Richard and a testimony to all who knew them.

Richard's interests included scuba diving, bowling, rafting, gardening, and traveling. He served in many spiritual roles-lay pastor, deacon, elder, and minister-and was baptized with Rhonda in 1977, later rededicating his life alongside his daughters in 1997. Over the years, he led many others to baptism and officiated numerous weddings, offering spiritual guidance and heartfelt blessings to couples beginning their journey together. He was known for his wisdom, humor, and unwavering integrity. In 2023, he had the honor of marrying his daughter Terra and her husband John Pacini on the Applegate River-a day that will be cherished by his family for eternity.

He is survived by his wife Rhonda of 48 years; daughter Terra Wells-Pacini; grandchildren Savannah, Madeline, Elizabeth, Kaylee, and Isaiah; and great-grandchildren Jaidin, Nadine, and Oliver. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Chris Wells, his sister Penney Buckingham, his daughter Holly Helvik, and his sister Anita McKenna.

Richard's life was anchored in faith in Yeshua. He was a spiritual mentor, a loving father, and a man who lived with quiet strength and deep compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of his widow, Rhonda Pelham, at Washington Federal Bank in Grants Pass. Messages of comfort may be sent to the family through Stephens Family Chapel.

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Richard believed this with all his heart. His family takes comfort in the promise of eternal life and the hope of reunion through faith.