DICK RAUSCHER, MEMORIAM
Timber Valley lost a very important and valued member on August 20, 2024 when Dick Rauscher passed away. Although he and Melinda were only in the park about two years, he was a positive influence in many lives. Dick started the Support Group and helped many who were struggling with the grief that comes from losses.
Dick and Melinda were very active with the Timber Valley Garden, helping the infant group to develop and grow into the great asset it is in the park today. A Group member says, “Dick was the perfect facilitator for our group. He will be greatly missed for his caring and gentle approach.”
Dick was born in upstate New York October 3, 1942 and obtained a BS in Engineering there. He soon discovered he wasn’t happy with that lifestyle. At thirty year of age, with a wife and three children, he moved onto 27 acres and began what he termed a “self-reliant living” style.
Subsequently, he decided to become a pastor and was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church. To that he added becoming a “psychology and mental health counselor”.
He wrote and published three books on his counseling and mental health philosophies. He also wrote the “Stony Hill Newsletter” blog.
Dick and Melinda were married on New Year’s Eve 1990. They traveled extensively in the USA and did many years of volunteering for Oregon State Parks, the BLM in Utah and Ochoco National Forest
Dick is survived by his wife, Melinda, sons, Tom Rauscher, Conrad Rauscher and daughters, Kristine Bianche of Rochester, New York and Jennifer Stuckless of Portland, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Dick Rauscher has asked that memorial contributions be sent to CHI Mercy Health Medical Center in his name.
Visit https://mercyfoundation.ejoinme.org/…/818297/Default.aspx and request that your
donation be given to the ICU is his name.
Melinda will be staying in the park.
Dick and Melinda were great additions to our Timber Valley family from the day they arrived. I am so happy to read that Melinda will be remaining in the Park and I know that would surely have been Dick’s wish. Dick had a strong belief system, as reflected by his biography, and they both became quickly involved in helping all of us who got to know them. I predict and look forward to many more years of positive contributions to our Timber Valley life style from Melinda.
Melinda, I am so very sorry for your loss. Dick was such a kind and gentle man. He had a smile for everyone he met and seemed genuinely happy to see them. He will be missed.
This is a shock. Dick was a great guy who I knew well. We could swap stories for hours. He walked every day and walked past us daily. Melinda has been tremendous help in the park. He will be greatly missed. I did not expect this.
Dick Rauscher, was an amazing soul. He cared greatly about this park and all the lives he touched during his stay here.
Dick Rauscher, was an amazing soul. He cared greatly about this park and all the lives he touched during his stay here.
We are so saddened by the loss of Dick. He hold a special spot in my heart. I will always remember the music that we made together. He was a friend to all. We are so very sorry for your loss Melinda and family.