Richard "Dick" Vern Bayless

Richard Vern “Dick” Bayless — beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend — passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, at the age of 95.

Dick was born in Harbor City, Los Angeles, California, on June 3, 1931, the cherished son of Vern V. Bayless and Margie Elminor Bayless. His early years were spent in a trio of small houses on Jenkins Court in Harbor City— he was born in the first, lived in the second, and his grandmother lived in the third. He grew up moving back and forth between Los Angeles and Grants Pass, Oregon, and excelled both academically and athletically wherever he landed.

A 1949 graduate of Grants Pass High School, Dick was a quarterback on the football team and Senior Student Body Class president. In 1948, the Grants Pass team won the state championship — a triumph shadowed by a tragic bus accident on I-5 during the team's return home. It left a lasting impression on Dick, and he spoke of its impact on him and his teammates for the rest of his life.

He went on to Oregon State University, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Business. At Oregon State he was enrolled in ROTC, intending to join the Army, but when he got to the front of a long line, he realized he was in the Air Force line, so the Air Force got him instead.

That same year, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Air Force. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. upon graduation with orders to report for active duty in July 1953, though the Korean War suddenly ended in June so his deployment was postponed to the following March. He served as a Supply Officer until 1956 at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington.

Dick later earned his law degree from Northwestern College of Law, now part of Lewis & Clark, and became a respected member of the Oregon State Bar in 1960, placing third out of the 99 applicants that passed that year. Specializing in contracts and corporate law, he practiced with passion and diligence until his retirement in 2017 at the age of 86.

Dick's personal life was rich and full. He married Marlene V. Little on June 14, 1953, and together they raised five children before their marriage ended in 1972.

He found love again with Sue Jeanette Ramsby Ede, whom he married on September 1, 1989 — a marriage that lasted almost 37 years and blended their families together, including Sue's children, Scott and Carey. Their life together was full of laughter and joy.

Dick was the legal counsel and a minor shareholder for The Portland Storm and The Portland Thunder Football teams in the WFL/World Football League. As Governor for the Portland Thunder team, he represented the team at Board of Governor Meetings that were held periodically in New York City during the season that began in September 1975. He was in the meeting with Joe Namath when they were trying to get him to come to the WFL and leave the NFL.

A man of wide-ranging interests, Dick was an avid golfer and served as President of Riverside Golf Club from 1997 to 1998. He was a proud member of the Multnomah Athletic Club for more than 50 years and a devoted Oregon State Beavers fan. As a young man, he climbed Mount Hood as he knew he would live in Portland and would see it often. He loved reading, history, travel, chess, and playing cards. Known for his storytelling, he could recite “The Cremation of Sam McGee” by Robert Service and “Rex, the Piddling Pup” from memory — spirited, word-perfect performances that never failed to captivate a room.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Thelma Jo Bayless Harestad Cantle; and his grandson, Dallas Dienhart.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Sue, and his children: Sally Jo Bayless Eberhart (William), Molly Bayless Shank (Dan), Richard J. Bayless, Jo Anne Bayless Neltner (Rich), John P. Bayless, Scott Ede, and Carey Ede Dienhart (Chip). He is also survived by five grandchildren — Nicholas Warner, Sarah Shank, Jackson Shank, Alexandra Shank, and Tabitha Lozano — and two great-grandchildren — Silas, Roman, and soon to be baby girl Dove — who brought him immense joy in his later years.

Dick's life was a tapestry of rich experiences, community involvement, and cherished relationships. His humor and warmth left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

A private interment will be held at Willamette National Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life to follow at a later date. The family is deeply grateful to the caregivers who offered comfort and support during Dick's final months. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, a cause close to Dick's heart.

Richard Vern Bayless will be deeply missed, and fondly remembered by all who knew him. His legacy of love, laughter, and dedication will continue to inspire generations to come.

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