Richard Alexander Wilkes

Richard (Dick) Wilkes passed away after a long decline in health. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren during his final days.

Dick was a native of Portland, Oregon. He attended Holy Redeemer Elementary School through eighth grade and graduated from Jefferson High School. During World War II and shortly after, he served as a military police officer. Later, he went on to pursue a degree in education at Portland University, now known as the University of Portland. While living in Portland, he met the love of his life, Betty Wallin, and married her in 1947. The couple moved to several places around Oregon because of teaching positions before settling in Coos Bay. Later, Dick transferred to Benson High School in 1958. While teaching, he earned his Masters Degree from Oregon State University and became a counselor. He found his vocation in counseling and held several leadership positions within state counseling organizations.

Dick is survived by his four living children, Teresa Levine, Garry Wilkes, Randy Wilkes, and Kathy Wilkes Tabor; nine grandchildren, Brett and Lucas Levine, Katie Slavin and Andrew Wilkes, Lisa and Natalie Wilkes, and Jameson, Jacob, and Katrina Tabor; and four great grandchildren, Piper, Xander, Rowan, and Jadyn. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Wilkes, and his beloved oldest son Gregory (Greg).