In Memory

Richard Keniston VIEW PROFILE

Richard Keniston

Richard Chace Keniston

June 23, 1947 - April 24, 2020

Whether taking Scouts on a camping adventure, presenting medical research at a national conference or enabling a Rwandan girl to buy a goat and help her family grow food, Richard Chace Keniston lived an abundant life. The Beaverton resident died April 24, 2020, at age 72 after a brief illness.

Richard was born June 23, 1947, in Corvallis to Robert and Ruth Keniston. He was gifted with a brilliant, inquisitive mind attuned to science and nature.

As a child, he loved helping his dad, a forestry professor at Oregon State University, work outdoors on research projects in Eastern Oregon. For years he rose early to deliver The Oregonian in Corvallis, earning top Junior Dealer honors.

After graduating from OSU in 1969 with a bachelor's degree in microbiology, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving the first two years of a long military career. He then earned a medical degree at Oregon Health & Science University and completed a pathology residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma.
Richard served as an Army pathologist for 20 years and also did medical research, specializing in nutrition, fetal maturity testing and occupational medicine. The retired lieutenant colonel had more than 40 publications and book chapters.

He wed Janet Young in 1976 and they welcomed children Amy, Jacob and Stephen during their 28-year marriage.

As a longtime active and enthusiastic leader in Boy Scouts and its Venturing program, Richard was proud of his sons' achievements in Scouting. He also volunteered with the Hillsboro Elks Lodge, Red Cross and a summer camp for foster children. He was active in Beaverton Christian Church and sponsored children through Compassion International.

Ever enjoying life, Richard was fond of analyzing data, discussing history and reading all manner of nonfiction as well as collecting toy animals and dreaming up silly stories to share. He joined a paleontology club and recently began studying Hebrew.

Survivors include his children, Amy, Jacob (Amy) and Stephen (Rachel); grandchildren, Ashley, Oliver and Sophia; sisters, Anne DeHaven (Larry) and Katherine; brother, Jim (JoeLynn); and a niece and nephews.

Memorial service plans are pending. Richard would have appreciated donations to the OSU Foundation for the Robert F. and Ruth C. Keniston Memorial Scholarship Fund.
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Please visit Richard's classmate page for more pictures.

 

 



 
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05/10/20 12:32 PM #1    

Roger Warren

To confirm address 1-800-354-7281

Thanks, Richard, for good memories of our childhood. -- Roger Warren, your neighbor.

OSU Foundation

4238 SW Research Way

Corvallis, OR 97333-1068

 

 


05/11/20 08:50 PM #2    

Sandy Cheldelin

Richard was a neighbor and we spent time after school together (until my mother rang the "bell" in backyard telling me it was time to come for dinner).  Maybe 1st grade, my first kiss!  Rest in peace dear man.

 


10/05/20 02:39 PM #3    

Patricia Hunnicutt (Eide)

Richard was such a kind, brillant man! We were in classes together from fourth grade through high school.  We reconnected after college.  Richard as on his way to the University of Oregon Medical School. We shared several memorable hikes together that summer including Mary's Peak, Alsea Falls, McDonald Forest, and a hike to the Pittock Mansion. During his first year at UO Med School, Richard wrote me weekly, sharing copies of his class notes and giving me medical textsbooks for special occasions. I still have both those notes and those texts!

When Richard was studying for his Anatomy exam, he invited me up to visit him at the med school. He asked if I would like to join him and his lab partner as they reviewed their cadaver dissection and prepared for the final exam that next week. I was excited to share this experience. We went to the anatomy lab and Richard introduced me to his cadaver, an old woman who had donated her body. Soon after, his lab partner arrived. She was an RN who was studying to become a physician.  Her husband, a cardiothorascic surgeon at another Portland hospital, was with her.  Besides the wonderful opportunity to learn hands on anatomy, this day brought another special connection for me: Richard's lab partner's husband had been Dr. Albert Starr's Chief Resident when my sister had one of the first open heart surgeries done at the med school.  Richard also introduced me to some of his other medical student friends who lived with him at the Medical Fraternity on campus. One of whom would later become my personal physician when he took over Dr. Aumann's practice.

Richard was a good friend. Knowing him made me a better person. 

I am glad Richard is at peace.

Patty Hunnicutt Eide

 

 


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