Richard E. Le Page

Richard was born March 6, 1939 in Shirley, MA to Charles & Rita Le Page. In 1950 he moved to San Francisco, CA where he attended Galileo High School and then enlisted in the US Army in 1961. He served on Okinawa and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Following his service, he attended Merritt College and then went to work for Pacific Bell (now AT&T). He began as a roving repair lineman in the financial district, and then worked the two-year project installing the wiring & telemetry systems in the Bank of America building during its construction. He was promoted to Premise Advertising Sales for Yellow Pages, and served as shop steward for the IBEW. He enjoyed a successful career there until his retirement after 32 years of service in 1995.

He was living in Marin County when he met and courted Sue Ann in 1993. They were married January 15, 1995 on the island of Kauai and honeymooned there and on Maui.

Music and the arts always held a special place in Richard’s life. Whether playing trombone & piano in high school, attending concerts at the Fillmore & listening to the iconic sixties groups, or attending the San Francisco Opera and the Symphony, music was always present in his life. Richard also learned to sail on San Francisco Bay with his Thompson 30’ sailboat.

In October 1999, Richard & Sue Ann decided that the Rogue River Valley was irresistible and moved from Novato, CA to Grants Pass OR. They became members of the Western Welcome Newcomers Club, TRCH Auxiliary, and the Grants Pass Museum of Art. Richard served for four years on the Museum’s Board of Directors, including 2 years as its President. He took guitar lessons and enjoyed collecting and refurbishing them. He started Artistry in Beads, creating beautiful beaded necklaces, bracelets & earrings, which were featured at the Saturday Artists & Craft Market & GPMA’s Gallery One on G Street.

Richard volunteered in the SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) program at Fort Vannoy School, reading with 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders which was especially delightful for him.

A beautiful steel & copper bench, created by artist Deanna Marsh (Vibrant Earth exhibit August-September 2011 at GPMA) has been donated in Richard’s memory as part of the Museum’s permanent collection for all to enjoy.

An event “Remembering Richard” and Dedication of his bench will be held Sunday, January 15th from 4-6 pm at the Grants Pass Museum of Art for those wishing to attend.

A Military Honors Ceremony will take place at Eagle Point National Cemetery at a later date.

Sue Ann wishes to thank Lovejoy Hospice and our special team, Shannon, Patt, Rachel & Cindy for their kindness, professional care & support these past months; also great appreciation to everyone at Hull & Hull for making this difficult time much easier.

Donations to either GPMA or Lovejoy Hospice are warmly welcomed in lieu of flowers, etc.

Richard is survived by his wife Sue Ann, son Christopher of San Francisco and grandson Max Le Page of Napa, CA.