Richard Lloyd Swenson

A celebration of life for Richard Lloyd Swenson, 74, of Coos Bay, formerly of Rocklake, N.D., was held at the Eagles Lodge of Coos Bay. Private cremation rites were held at Ocean View Memory Gardens in Coos Bay.

Richard “Dick” was born April 18, 1944 in Langdon, N.D., to Oscar Swenson and Doris (Kynoch) Winroth. He passed away Nov. 26, 2018 at Avamere Rehabilitation of Coos Bay, after a long, tough battle of cancer.

In 1962, Dick graduated from Rocklake High School, he was known as an outstanding basketball and football player. After graduation, he started custom combining with his dad for a year and then went to work in the oil fields. After that, Dick moved to Oregon, at which time he was drafted in to the United States Army in 1966. He spent the next two years in Vietnam, getting out in 1968. While in the service, Dick earned a bronze start medal for his bravery in combat.

After he returned from the war, Dick went back to Oregon and worked at the Mill, the Mill Right, and then State Wide Mill Right, from where he retired after 33 years.

Dick had a love for riding his Harley and belonged to a club in Oregon. He had a very faithful companion, his pug dog named Buggs that even rode bike with Dick. Dick loved being with people and usually laughing; he would help anyone, but could also be your worst enemy, if he wanted.

He is survived by a son, Rodney O’Brien of Langdon, N.D.; two daughters, Diane Besson of Kansas and Denette Swenson of Oregon; and sister, Gloria and husband, Al Azure of Mesa, Ariz.

Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Doris; dad, Oscar; a brother, Donald; and a nephew, Steve Azure.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

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