Richard C Jackson

Richard Clayton Jackson passed away peacefully on July 1st, 2020 in Eagle, Idaho at the age of 88 after a long illness. Richard was born June 21, 1932 in Seattle, WA to Betty and Richard Jackson. He spent his early years in the Seattle/Anacortes area. His father passed away when Richard was 12 years old and he suddenly found himself as the “man of the family” at that young age helping to take care of his mother and older sister, Jeanette.  He graduated from Anacortes High School in 1948. While he was still in high school, he enrolled in the Washington National Guard. He was only 16 at the time, but he forged his birthdate on the enrollment papers and was able to enlist.  He was based out of Fort Lewis, Washington.  After he graduated from high school, he found his way to Astoria, OR where he went to work for the Astoria Plywood Corporation.  While he lived in Astoria, he met his first wife Dorothy Boyd.  They married in 1952 near Seaside, OR.  They had 2 children, Scott and Carol-Lynn. While living in Astoria he enjoyed hunting deer and elk in the coast range and fishing in the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean.  In 1960 he built the families first home on a view lot overlooking the Columbia River.  This project prompted a lifelong interest in woodworking and home improvement.  While working for Astoria plywood he found his path in his professional life, making sure that companies kept their employees safe. He moved the family to Hillsboro, OR in 1969 in order to work for Zidell Marine Corporation which was in the ship dismantling business in Portland, OR.  After Zidell He began working for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for the U.S. Government in Portland and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Safety and Health Engineering.  In 1973 he moved the family to Boise, ID in order to continue his work.  In 1980 he transferred to the Buffalo, NY regional office for OSHA where he was an Area Director until his retirement.  Once living the retired life, he and mom moved to the Pinehurst, NC area for a few years and then decided to move back to Boise, ID for their final retirement years as they had always enjoyed the Boise area and the State of Idaho.

After his 1st wife passed away after 58 years of marriage, He moved to an Independent Living facility in Boise.  This is where he met his current wife Lois Jackson. They enjoyed 6 years together before he passed away.

He was preceded in death by his Mother, Betty Thompson, Father, Richard Jackson, his sister, Jeanette Kessler and his wife, Dorothy Jackson.  His survivors include his wife of 6 years, Lois Jackson, son Scott Jackson (Angie), daughter Carol-Lynn Vidjan (Francis), grandchildren Jason & Katie Jackson, Michelle & David Goldstein and Jason Vidjan.  It is suggested that any memorial contributions be made to the Idaho Humane Society in Richard’s name.