Richard Ansell

Richard Ansell, 92, of La Grande, died Wednesday, December 9, 2020 with his family at his side. 

Richard was born September 27, 1928 in La Grande, OR to parents Louis and Lucille Ansell. He was raised in La Grande and graduated from La Grande High school in 1947.

Richard married his high school sweetheart Thelma Marquis, July 23, 1948. They were married for nearly 71 years before she passed away May 11, 2019.

Richard had many exciting jobs during his life including logging with horses, being a mechanic for International Harvester and fighting fire with the US Forest Service. He worked building bridges for Underwood and Richards in Central Oregon and then began his own construction company in Bend, OR in 1972.  He built homes in Sunriver, OR including condos and lodges. Proud accomplishments included supervising in the remodeling of the Sunriver Lodge and co-supervising construction of the Pines in Sunriver. He also remodeled the Embarcadero in Newport in the 90's.  Richard’s main expertise was in concrete.

Richard enjoyed talking to people about the Bible, photography, elk hunting, camping and fly tying. He also loved gardening and working in the yard with his wife and spending time in the mountains with his family.

 Richard adored spending time with his little Spitz named Gabby that went everywhere with him during his childhood and teen years.  They walked most of the wilderness area around La Grande.  He is also survived by his dog, Ginger, a little thing he loved to spoil. Richard’s favorite catch phrases were "You're going to miss me when I'm gone." And, when you’d ask him how he was, he'd say "TERRIBLE!"  And you knew he was okay.

Richard devoted his life to serving his God, Jehovah and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on July 5, 1953 with his wife, Thelma. He will be remembered for his love of his God, Jehovah and being able to share the hope for a wonderful future with others.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife Thelma Louise Ansell; Grandson, Koby Michael Albrecht; his parents and siblings.

He is survived by his daughter Linda (Jim) Albrecht and Diana (Robert) Lantz both of La Grande; 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

For those who would like to make a donation in memory of Richard the family asks they be made toward funeral expenses through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com