WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Richard Glenn Bontrager of Salem, Ore., and formerly of Centreville, died Nov. 24, 2012.
He was born Nov. 26, 1938, in Elkhart, Ind., to Menno E. and Lizzie (Miller) Bontrager. He grew up in the Michiana area and attended Centreville High School in Centreville. At age 17, he joined the Navy and served as a radio man from 1957-1961. After serving his country, he moved to Oregon, where he met Ann Caton. They married in 1963 and moved to California, where they remained happily married until her death in 1998.
After 31 years at Pacific Bell, he retired and then moved back to Salem in 2000. He loved to play pool and watch sports. He started bowling at Firebird Lanes, where he met Marshia Gregson. Their friendship grew as they discovered they had much in common and they married in 2002 and were a loving couple until parted by his death.
He is survived by siblings, Vera and Earle; his children, Teddy, Barbara, Paula, Terri, Rich Jr., Ron, Kelly and Marshia’s four children; and 22 grandchildren who lovingly called him Papa.
He was preceded in death by siblings Opal, Floyd, Jay, and Merle, and son Rick.
He loved to visit with friends and family and will be forever remembered as a kind, loving, funny, generous man who was loved and respected by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, at City View Funeral Home in Salem. Private interment at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo, Ca.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
