July 25, 1950 – December 18, 2023
Rick Dellenback was born in Corvallis, Oregon. He lived in many places, including Medford, Oregon, Washington D.C., Portland, Oregon, and Salem, Oregon, as well as Reno, Nevada, and Commerce, Texas.
Rick was a handsome, intelligent, warm, and caring man with a wicked sense of humor. He was a world traveler, with a particular love of Latin America, where he traveled extensively. He was a life master of bridge and an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants.
He was a beloved teacher of Spanish and Latin American revolutions at the high school and college levels; many of his students say he was their favorite, and an important influence in their lives. He was known for starting his classes with stories, and visitors who would share their lives and perspectives.
As quoted in the Regis High School student newspaper in 1997, “I am not very apocalyptic, but it seems clear that the U.S.A. is beyond its peak in terms of empire. It gives us a unique opportunity to explore the darker, unknown regions of inner and outer space from what is still a very privileged condition. I believe that reliance on traditional means is tantamount to spiritual and moral death – the opportunity for creative thinkers is almost staggering given the material-world changes that have occurred in the last 100 years.”
Rick is survived by his life partner, Jane Taliaferro of Salem, son Jess Martinetti of Portola, California, brother David Dellenback (and sister-in-law, Martha Gil) of San Agustín, Colombia, sister Barbara Dellenback (David Ouellette) of Eugene, Oregon, and nephews Van Dellenback-Ouellette, Cy Dellenback-Ouellette, Sam Oldham, and an extended family and a circle of devoted friends.
In Rick’s memory, take a road trip, tell a story, watch a baseball game, go to the movies, do a kind deed, and tell people you love them. Memorial gifts may be given to your local food bank or to No One Dies Alone. A celebration of life is planned for July 27, 2024, in Salem.
–Submitted information
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