Richard Card

Published 3:59 pm Thursday, October 26, 2023

Richard Card

October 2, 1931 – October 24, 2023

Richard Albert Card, affectionately known as Dick, passed away on October 24, 2023, at the age of 92. Dick’s life was a remarkable journey filled with both challenges and a loving family.

Born in the close-knit farming community of Grand Rapids, MN, Dick’s upbringing was marked by the indomitable spirit of his parents. His father, Lester, a World War I veteran, suffered the enduring effects of mustard gas poisoning, and his mother, Cora, worked as a telephone operator while raising five children.

Education was not Dick’s strong suit, only reaching the 7th grade. Later, in the Navy, he earned his GED. He grew up with a strong work ethic, helping with farm chores from a young age. It’s said that at the tender age of 13, he drove his first truckload of potatoes to North Dakota. Realizing his passion for driving, Dick chose to become a truck driver, setting the course for his life’s journey.

His trucking career took him across the United States and Canada before leading him to Southern Oregon, where he reunited with his brother, John. There, at Lake of the Woods, he crossed paths with a vivacious and outgoing young woman named Nancy Cottingham, a University of Oregon student. Their love story unfolded swiftly, culminating in a Christmas Eve wedding in 1954, although Nancy’s father, Gerald, an executive at Harry and David, had reservations about her daughter marrying a truck driver and not finishing college after three and a half years.

Despite initial doubts, Nancy and Dick’s union thrived, and they were blessed with three sons, Jon, David, and Michael. They purchased a cozy home on Vancouver Street and relished family adventures, fishing trips, and camping outings. Tragically, Nancy’s life was cut short by cancer, and she passed away in 1969 at the age of 35.

In the wake of Nancy’s passing, Dick found love once more in Virginia (Ginny) Moore, a widow with three children, Cassandra, Ron, and Mitch. Merging their families, they embarked on a journey that humorously resembled the “Brady Bunch,” except with knives, and guns, and cussing. Yet, with hard work and dedication, their blended family blossomed into a combined family.

As their family expanded, Dick’s commitment to his profession deepened, leading him through various facets of trucking, including owner-operator ventures. One of his most exhilarating chapters took him to the Alaska Pipeline in the late ’70s, a thrilling episode involving covert supplies of Jack Daniel’s to pipeline camps. Upon his return to the lower 48 states, he amusingly earned comparisons to the Kennedys for his bootlegging ventures.

By 1980, during the era of trucking deregulation, Dick became the President of the Western Trucking Association and even testified before the US Congress in Washington, D.C. He, alongside Ginny, established several truck brokerage firms in the valley, eventually founding Combined Transport, Inc. on September 2, 1980, named after his blended family. Starting with just one truck, the company has grown and prospered for over 43 years, now employing more than 500 trucks. At one point, all six children contributed to the company’s success.

In 1990, Dick and Ginny sold the business to their children, yet Dick never fully retired. He continued to drive part-time, design equipment, and serve as an escort driver, unable to relinquish his deep love for the road. Ginny passed away in 2013, leaving Dick on his own once again.

A new chapter unfolded when Dick moved to Pioneer Village, where his dog, Pic, created a serendipitous encounter with Marge Hull that sparked a new romance. They married in 2017 and traveled the world and drove all around the US. At the age of 87, Dick embarked on paragliding adventures in Mexico and bagged his last deer at 89. Marge provided unwavering support and love in his later years, especially during his final days. Until the end, he remained determined to return to the driver’s seat.

Dick is survived by his devoted wife, Marge, and his children, Jon (Jeanette), David (Mary), Michael (Pam), step-daughter Cassandra, and step-son Ron Moore (Kate). His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Crystal Moore (Mert Mansur), Kayla Moore (David Obie), Jason Card (Chevone), Andy Card (Sachta), Nick Card, Stephanie Card, Steven Card (Katelyn), Marc Card, Trevor Moore (Angela), Lindsey Moore (Andrew Valdez), Addi Moore (Tyler Brier), and Alex Moore, as well as twelve great grandchildren.

Richard Albert Card’s life was an extraordinary odyssey, marked by hard work, adventure, and enduring love. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, resilience, and an unquenchable spirit for the open road. Dick’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.