Dennis (Red) Henry Richardson’s journey began Feb. 19, 1928, in Vale. He was born to Henry Lon Richardson and Velfa Frances Byerley Richardson. Dennis, 91, passed away June 29, with his family surrounding him.

Dennis grew up with an older sister, Mariam Anna Culp. Dennis attended Burns Union High School, and left high school to join the Navy. After returning from the Navy, he started working at Edward Hines Lumber Mill. As a young man, he enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, and hunting.

Doreen Frances Richardson’s journey began July 28, 1928, in Five Lakes, Saskatchewan, Canada. She was born to William Schaff and Elizabeth Martin Schaff. Doreen, 90, passed away July 1, surrounded by family and guided by her loving husband of 72 years. She enjoyed growing up with her two sisters and one brother, Mary, Margret, and John Schaff. As a young woman, Doreen loved music, ice skating, and her friends in Canada.

Dennis and Doreen’s story began in 1946. The summer of 1946, Doreen moved to Burns to be with her father and brother, Johnny. She started working at the Palace Cafe in Burns. Before long, Doreen had a lot of male suitors. Dennis always said she was the prettiest thing he ever laid eyes on. He made comments over the years about how she had “dancing eyes.” He won Doreen’s heart on a $5 tip. Dennis and his longtime friend, Bill Delaney, were at the cafe. Bill told Dennis that he was going to leave her a $5 tip, and Dennis said, “Go ahead and tip her because I am going to take her out,” and off he went to ask Doreen out. Dennis and Doreen courted that summer, and at the end of summer, she left to go back to Canada to be with her mother. Dennis traveled up to Canada to get the love of his life and marry her. After all, she could not resist his red hair. Dennis and Doreen were married Oct. 30, 1946 in Canada, and headed back to Burns.

Dennis and Doreen had their first child, Mary Ann Shively, in July 1947, and in March 1950, their son, Aaron D. Richardson, was born. The two of them made Burns their home.

Dennis worked at Hines Lumber Mill as a lumber grader for 44 years. During his life in Burns, he was also an assistant fire chief, EMT, and ambulance driver.

Doreen managed the Five and Dime Store, later known as Knox Variety, and joined her husband at the Hines Lumber Mill.

Dennis and Doreen loved being Harney County residents. In June 2007, Dennis was named Pioneer President, and he proudly took the throne. Dennis and Doreen had many good friends, and loved their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, camping, going to flea markets, card games, bowling, and the Mariners, but most of all, he loved his wife.

Doreen was an amazing cook and baked the best cinnamon rolls. She loved the warm weather, traveling, Bingo, card games, camping, bowling, and spoiling her grandkids and great-grandkids. These two were all about family. Dennis and Doreen spent several years in Shelton, Wash., working at a lumber mill and enjoying their daughter, Mary Ann, and grandchildren. They loved being around them and enjoyed family times and travels.

Dennis and Doreen were very proud of the family they raised. When they both retired in 1990, they took off to Lake Havasu, Ariz., and spent 15 wonderful years as snowbirds. They traveled all over the United States with their good friends. They accomplished many of their goals and both loved their lives. After their travels ended, Dennis and Doreen focused on helping raise all the wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nothing made them happier than to be around all of their family.

They celebrated 72 years of marriage on Oct. 30, 2018. Dennis and Doreen loved each other and were dedicated to each other. In the last few days of their lives, we were able to watch the continuous love they had for each other.

On June 29, with their hands held tightly together, Dennis paved the way to heaven for his lovely bride. He left this world knowing that she was shortly behind him. On July 1, Doreen was guided by his love to heaven. In a matter of days, these two accomplished what every loving couple wants. Dennis and Doreen were loved by so many. They opened their arms to all children and connected family members. They were truly a cherished couple who will forever be missed.

Dennis and Doreen are survived by their son, Aaron Richardson, and his wife, Donna, of Hines; granddaughter, Misty Richardson Shepherd, and her husband, Matt Shepherd, and great-grandchildren, Paris, Zander, and Maverick of Salem; grandson, Aaron Kiley Richardson, and his wife, Jessica Peasley Richardson, and great-grandchildren, Ethan, Kempton, and Tenley of Hines; grandson, Ty Richardson, and his fiance, Riley Maxwell, of Redmond; daughter, Mary Ann Shively, and her husband, Marvin Shively, of Olympia, Wash.; grandson, Jeff Walker, and his wife, Julie Walker, and great-grandchildren, Krista and Kendra of Lacy, Wash.; grandson, Jamie Walker, and his wife, Tammy Walker, and great-grandchildren, Josh and Cheyenne, of Olympia, Wash.; granddaughter, Melanie Shepherd, and her husband, Elgin, and great-granddaughter, Lillie, of Olympia, Wash.; sister-in-law, Beverly Schaff of Burns; Jerry and Cheryl Schaff of Burns; Bill Schaff of Burns; Becky Schaff Bates and family of Hines; John Schaff and family of Burns; and Mike Schaff and family of Hines.

Dennis and Doreen were preceded in death by their parents; siblings; grandson, Melvin Shepherd; and great-grandson, Brandon.

Contributions in their memory may be made to Harney County Little League, mailed to LaFollette’s Chapel, P.O. Box 488, Burns, Oregon 97720.