Obituary for Richard "Barney" Spielman
Richard Karl “Barney” Spielman, AKA Santa, passed away with family by his side July 31, 2019 at Providence Down Manor of Hood River, Oregon. Barney was born on December 22, 1945 and was 73 years of age at the time of his passing.
Barney went by many names. To his immediate family and friends in Roseburg, OR, he was “Dick”; to his many beloved nieces and nephews, he was “Uncle Dickie”; and to the Goodyear Blimp crew where he was their senior airship mechanic, he was “Barney.”
Years after marrying his wife Denise in 1983, at the request of a niece, he became “Santa” for her children’s Christmas party. He had found his calling. Naturally a kind and generous man with a hearty laugh and happy demeanor, his soul was the soul of Santa.
His December schedule was filled with appearances for charities, non-profits, private parties and the annual company party at his workplace, Horizon Air. Recently having moved to Hood River, he was the 2018 Santa for the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM), where he was a volunteer. Wherever he went, all year round, his greatest joy was to hand out candy canes to brighten the day for everyone he came in contact with, as he was instantly recognizable. He thoroughly enjoyed being frequently asked to pose for pictures (“elfies”). He was, indeed, one of a kind.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on September 28, 2019 at Westminster Presbyterian Church (1624 NE Hancock Street Portland, OR).
In lieu of flowers (due to certain allergies), the family would very much appreciate your consideration of a donation to WAAAM, to Heart of Hospice Foundation, or to the Domestic Violence Resource Center Oregon with “Mary Mac House” designated in the memo line. Donations can be mailed C/O Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave. Hood River, OR 97031).
Arrangements under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Barney went by many names. To his immediate family and friends in Roseburg, OR, he was “Dick”; to his many beloved nieces and nephews, he was “Uncle Dickie”; and to the Goodyear Blimp crew where he was their senior airship mechanic, he was “Barney.”
Years after marrying his wife Denise in 1983, at the request of a niece, he became “Santa” for her children’s Christmas party. He had found his calling. Naturally a kind and generous man with a hearty laugh and happy demeanor, his soul was the soul of Santa.
His December schedule was filled with appearances for charities, non-profits, private parties and the annual company party at his workplace, Horizon Air. Recently having moved to Hood River, he was the 2018 Santa for the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM), where he was a volunteer. Wherever he went, all year round, his greatest joy was to hand out candy canes to brighten the day for everyone he came in contact with, as he was instantly recognizable. He thoroughly enjoyed being frequently asked to pose for pictures (“elfies”). He was, indeed, one of a kind.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on September 28, 2019 at Westminster Presbyterian Church (1624 NE Hancock Street Portland, OR).
In lieu of flowers (due to certain allergies), the family would very much appreciate your consideration of a donation to WAAAM, to Heart of Hospice Foundation, or to the Domestic Violence Resource Center Oregon with “Mary Mac House” designated in the memo line. Donations can be mailed C/O Anderson’s Tribute Center (1401 Belmont Ave. Hood River, OR 97031).
Arrangements under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.