Richard Myron Straw, July 25, 1926 October 14, 2012
Salem, Oregon Richard departed this world on Sunday, October 14, after living a full life. Born July 25, 1926, to Myron and Emma Straw in St Paul, Minn., Richard was the oldest of three brothers. He was preceded in death by his brother, Harold, and is survived by his brother, Thomas.
On November 19, 1949, Richard and Dorothy were married. They went on to have five children, and many adventures. He is survived by Dorothy and four of his five children, Richard, Michael, Martina, and Maija. His loving son, Robert, passed away in 1982. He is also survived by grandchildren, Kristi, Moon, Guthrie, Marika, Malia, and Kiana.
From 19441946, Richard served his country in the U.S. Army, then in the Army Reserve and Minnesota National Guard from 19461950, followed by active service in Korea from 19501952.
Richard graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor of arts degree in zoology in 1949, and received his doctorate in botany from the Claremont (Calif.) Graduate School Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. Richard enjoyed a long academic career at California State College, Los Angeles, from 19561981, thereafter emeritus professor of biology. During those years he took his family to Peru, where he was a Fulbright lecturer in genetics and ecology in 19631964, and to Malaysia as Peace Corps science and math education support staff from 19661968. In 1981 he moved to Ashland, Ore. where he became the director of computing services at Southern Oregon State College from 19811992, thereafter emeritus professor of computer science. During retirement, he volunteered for the Oregon Flora Project for many years and enjoyed fly fishing, travel, and visiting with his children, family, and friends. Wherever he went he generally found flora of the genus penstemon, the subject of his dissertation and of which he had an enduring interest.
Services will be held at Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, Salem, Ore., October 27 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, or to the Oregon Flora Project, Oregon State University.
