Richard Bighill

Richard Louis Bighill was the 5th of six children of John and Marie Bighill, born on November 23, 1964 in Ilwaco, WA. He grew up in Naselle, WA and most currently resided in Hammond, OR with his wife Shelly. Richard was 59 years old when he passed on February 20, 2024 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland.

Richard graduated from Naselle High School in 1983, and only applied to one college, Saint Martin’s College in Lacey, WA. He knew this was where he was meant to be and graduated in 1987 with degrees in Business Management and Marketing.

Richard made the best decision of his life when he married Shelly Marie Vellinga of Tillamook, OR on October 3, 1992 in Tillamook. Richard and Shelly raised their two sons, John and Nathan, in Hammond, OR.

Richard worked for Shilo Inn for several years and then worked 22 and a half years for Wauna Federal Credit Union.

Richard’s faith and belief in God helped him through many years of battling brain tumors and Parkinson’s Disease until it ultimately was too much and he passed peacefully.

Richard loved all sports, particularly playing basketball. He was a great outside shooter when playing basketball at Naselle High School. He loved all Seattle sports teams, particularly the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Huskies. Richard is moving on to Heaven wearing a Seahawks t-shirt Shelly got him under his suit.

Richard is survived by his wife Shelly of Hammond, OR, his son John of Hammond, OR, his son Nathan of Umatilla, OR and two grandchildren, Colton and Carter of Umatilla. Richard’s surviving siblings are Mike Bighill of Naselle, Sue Tanioka of Honolulu, HI, Joe Bighill of Forest Grove, OR, and Roger Bighill of Warrenton, OR, mother-in-law Kathy Vellinga, of Tillamook OR and numerous nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents John and Marie Bighill, brother Andy Bighill, and father-in-law Leon Vellinga.

Richard’s funeral will be Saturday, March 2, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Seaview, WA. There will be a viewing from 10-11 a.m., with the funeral mass starting at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the church and private internment with family will be at Peaceful Hill Cemetery in Naselle.