Richard 'Dick' Bulfinch

December 12, 1940 - August 20, 2022

Dick passed away peacefully at his home in Oregon City, Oregon, from Parkinson's disease. He was 81.

Dick made many friends as he grew up in South Pasadena, attending El Centro, SPJHS, and SPHS. He worked hard to remain connected with all of them. Dick's father died when he was young and in order to help support their household, Dick took on a large paper route for the Pasadena Star-News, delivering newspapers by bicycle. He also worked at the Peacock Restaurant in South Pas, was active in Boy Scouts, played Little League and Middle League baseball. His first car was a '51 Chevy and going fishing, hunting, and water skiing with good South Pas friends made for good memories. He loved basketball. He was a tenacious defender that could steal the ball away if you but blinked! His passion for basketball would carry forward to his days in Oregon as he assisted the girls' basketball program at Oregon City High School which became a nationally ranked team under his tutelage.

After graduating from SPHS, Dick went to Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon and also Portland State University. He met and married his first wife, Cathy Bader. They had three children and were divorced in 1969. He married Shirley Thomas in 1974 and this was a match made in heaven. Shirley had two children, and with Dick's three, they became the Oregonian Brady Bunch! Dick and Shirley were married for 48 1/2 years; have eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Right after college Dick went to work for the Carolina Biological Supply Company. He worked for Carolina for 37 years and retired as Regional Sales Manager. Dick was active in his community in the Lion's Club and volunteering for coordinating grad night events and all the other activities that go along with raising five children. In addition to coaching youth baseball and basketball, he played tennis, golf, poker, and enjoyed downhill snow skiing which Shirl introduced to him for family fun. He and Shirl relished spending time in Palm Desert during the cold Oregon winter months. Dick did not like to fly, but he and Shirley did figure out ways to travel extensively. Memorable road trips and train trips to a variety of locations across the USA.

Family history was important to Dick and his ancestors dated back to early 1620 Boston, leading up to and after the Revolutionary War. Dick and Shirley brought all of their children and grandchildren back to Boston at different times to instill in the family pride and tradition through Bulfinch family roots. He was a proud American and his love of country was evident.

Dick's genuine good-nature made everyone feel good in his presence. Family was all important to him (including a special four-footed, five pound black canine companion, Merlot, who not too long ago preceded him to heaven). Dick was a gentle man and a true gentleman.

Contributed by Lenore McManigal Garman '58