Frank McCleary

Frank McCleary, 82, of Richland, passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. A celebration of life will be held on March 1, 2025 ~11:00 a.m. at the Richland Christian Church in Richland, Oregon with a potluck reception to follow.

James Francis “Frank” McCleary was born on July 26, 1942. He was raised in San Diego, California and graduated from Kerny High School in 1960. He nearly completed a degree in electrical engineering, but got too busy with his company, Challenger Surfboards, to study.

Frank sold his business, built a trimaran (three hulled sailboat) and sailed to Maui in 1970. He met Susan Youngs on a beach in Lahaina. They went snorkeling, and then sailing in his trimaran, the beginning of their love story. Frank and Sue were married in Honolulu on May 6, 1973.

When they visited Frank's sister, Bette Doshier, who lived in Richland, he was drawn to the country life and dreamed of building his own house and having a big garden and orchard.

Frank’s working career first began as a founder of Challenger Surfboards from 1961-1968. He built a trimaran and sailed to Hawaii in 1970 where he became a camera man at KITV Channel 4 News. He later moved to Oregon and worked as a heavy equipment driver for Bonanza Mine Company. Following the completion of building two houses on his property, Frank began his own business that he named McCleary Construction. He had a natural green thumb and began growing and distributing produce, especially peaches, to the community where he became a successful market vendor at Farmers Markets with his crops.

Frank converted two vehicles into RVs and loved going south for the winter to explore the national parks and meet other RVers.
Frank enjoyed sailing, building, creating, gardening and being outdoors. He never missed a chance to go dancing with his wife to live music.

Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sue and parents Howard and Marie McCleary.

He is survived by his son Sean (Bryn) McCleary of Portland, OR; daughter Katie (Brent) Caulley of Springfield, OR; brother William McCleary; sisters Bette Doshier and Linda Wheking; six grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Frank the family suggests the Hilary Bonn Benevolence Fund through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PO Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com