National Forest, regional office in Milwaukee, and the chief's office in Washington, D.C., where on occasions he served as acting deputy chief. He served on the President's Water Resources Council. Richard was also charged with "Dooms" Day" scenario for the forest service chief and staff during the "cold war" as well as sole responsibility for coordination for response to natural disasters on forest land. On the latter he often remarked how happy he was to be sitting in his kitchen retired and looking up the Mississippi when Mt. St. Helens erupted on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Richard was of the Lutheran Faith. He had been a member of the Society of American Foresters, Soil and Water Conservation Society, Kiwanis and held various Boy Scouts of America and church positions. His grandchildren are very special to him. He had a lifelong love for his family, the outdoors, his trumpet, music and animals. Richard was a wonderful husband, great dad and an awesome "papa" and grandpa. A private family graveside service will be at Keokuk National Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be Sunday, October 1, 2017, at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Centers at 917 Blondeau Street with family meeting friends from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Family asked that memorials in lieu of flowers be made to Great River Hospice or Keokuk Humane Society.
DeJong - Greaves Celebration Of Life Centers
Keokuk, IA 52632
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