Richard L. Sweet

Richard L. Sweet, 76, of Elgin, died Sept. 15 at Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland.

At his request, no services will be held locally.

Richard was born July 6, 1931, to Glen and Harriett Sweet in Des Moines, Iowa. He left his home and his family farm at 13. He moved to Portland where he lied about his age to join the Merchant Marines as a common seaman and was discharged as a wiper on diesel engines and boilers. Richard then moved to Phoenix and worked for Coca-Cola. He became one of the top distributors for that company.

In 1960, he married Tommie Teen. The couple moved to the Sweet Home area where they adopted two sons, Calving Sweet and Glen Sweet, in 1966.

Richard worked as a distributor for Wonder Bread, for beer and RC Cola. He and a business associate, Mr. Goebble, launched G&S distributorships in Albany, Sutherlin and Bend.

In the mid-1980s the couple moved to Elgin where they owned and operated the Brunswick Bar & Grill. After retiring in 1990 they moved to Mexico. In May 1999 his wife, Tommie, died of Cancer. After her death he traveled until he could no longer do so.

Those who knew Richard say he enjoyed hard work and working with people as well as working through tough challenges and understanding and working with money.

He is survived by two children, Glen Sweet of Pendleton and Calvin Sweet of Cayuse; and two grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to OHSU Neurological Department in care of the Burns Mortuary of Pendleton, P.O. Box 489, Pendleton 97801