Richard Elmer (Dick) Tantare was 81 years old. He died on June 2, 2017, in Bend, Ore., where he has lived since 1974. Dick passed away peacefully after a fierce battle with lung and heart disease.

He is the son of Elmer and Sigrid Tantare and was born on Dec. 4, 1935, in Aberdeen, Wash. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduating in 1953 from Ocosta High School in Westport, Wash. He served 20 years in the Air Force and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant-E8 Loadmaster.

He loved airplanes and all branches of the Armed Forces. Dick traveled and lived near and afar. He was in Alamogordo, N.M. working on the rocket defense systems in the early 60’s and then flew on C-141’s out of McCord. The Vietnam War led him and his family to Guam in 1969, where he worked with the best Air Rescue squadron in the South Pacific. He was then stationed in Columbus, Ohio and Alexandria, La. before retiring in Bend with his family.

Dick is survived by his second wife of 30 years, Amy Roxanna of Bend and his sister Janet Gilinsky of Vista, Calif. He is also survived by his children Ken Tantare of Portland, Lori Anton of Bend and their spouses. The surviving grandchildren are Nathan and Lindsey Westfall who both serve in the military, along with Sarah and Julia Tantare.

Dick was a kind, outspoken and intelligent man. He was committed to the well-being and care of his wife Roxie. He was active in the Bend Trap Club as an officer and longtime member. He was a decorated shooter and friend to all. He loved his family, the desert, his politics and the Oregon Ducks. His Finnish family roots and ties extended from British Columbia, Aberdeen, Brookings, Burns and beyond.

Contributions can be made to VFW Post 1643, 1503 NE 4th St Bend, OR 97701.