Ricardo Rito Valenzuela's Obituary
Ricardo Rito Valenzuela, Capt. (Retd.) U.S. Army
April 12, 1940 – July 16, 2022. Ricardo “Rick”, a retired U.S. Army Captain passed away at the age of 82 in Forest Grove, Oregon. He was born in Fullerton, California to parents Florencio R. Valenzuela & Carmen Quesada in 1940. When Rick was the age of 4, his father Florencio preceded him in death during combat in Normandy, France at the Battle of the Bulge. As a young boy, he moved to Mexico City, D.F. with his mother and sisters and was educated in the private Catholic Schools of the city’s center. There he gained a stepfather, Elias S. Shehab, who was influential in his life. Rick was the eldest of 7 children: three sisters and three half-brothers.
As a young man he returned to California and enlisted in the U.S. Army and had a distinguished 22-year military career. He became an officer and served in Vietnam where he was awarded a Purple Heart. He was a fearless and brave leader who made quick well thought decisions. His more prominent advice over the years was to “make a decision - a decision is always better than doing nothing.” He earned many medals, awards and decorations during his military career:
• Army of Occupation Medal (Berlin)
• National Defense Service Medal
• Good Conduct Medal (2)
• Army Commendation Medal
• Combat Infantryman Badge
• Vietnam Service Medal
• Overseas Service Bars (2)
• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Berlin)
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm
• Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal First Class
• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea)
• Expert Infantryman Badge
• Purple Heart (Vietnam)
He engaged in hand to hand combat in Vietnam and was a brilliant war strategist. Rick spoke several languages and was able to quickly acquire the Vietnamese language, as well. He was a well-respected war strategy and logistics advisor to the South Vietnamese.
Rick was married in 1960 to Nancy Jean Küpers. They were married for 54 years and together had 6 children: two sons and four daughters. During his military service and while raising his family, he studied and became a graduate of Chapman University in Orange, Ca. There he earned three university degrees in Sociology, Psychology & Anthropology. Rick had 18 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly. His passion for learning and acquiring knowledge was passed down throughout these generations. He was proud of all his children and their talents, of which there were many. He was an avid listener, offered support and companionship to his children and grandchildren.
Upon retirement from the U.S. Armed Forces, Rick became employed by the Boeing Company for 18 years, where he served as a Human Resources Manager for the Seattle/Tacoma, WA. region. In 1987 the Boeing company relocated him to Palmdale, Ca for several years. It was there that he directed the Human Resources department for the B-2 Stealth Bomber project in conjunction with the United States Airforce (Edwards AFB). Rick was a known driver of results. Here, he also singularly raised his youngest daughter, Ana, throughout her teenage years. He was actively involved in her daily life, education & critical thinking development. They became best friends and supported each other loyally for a lifetime.
Once retired from the Boeing Company, Rick developed and owned partnership in a Human Resources consulting & employment agency in Olympia, WA. During this time, he successfully acquired state and government contracts and took pride in placing people in career opportunities. He was a champion of disabled, religious, and ethnic equality.
Rick diligently pursued learning opportunities and loved historical fact. He enjoyed travel by air, train or RV and participated in new experiences whenever possible. After the passing of his wife, his travels led him to the more favorable climate of the State of Nevada, where he took up residence and reconnected with his sisters and other family members. He was passionate about gardening and raised a small fruit orchard at his desert home. He had a love for the Lord and his Catholic faith and crafted beautiful rosaries from pearls and wood carvings. He continuously made plans for the next adventure or project. He was always thinking ahead.
In early June this year, Rick journeyed with two of his daughters on a road trip from Nevada to Oregon, the home of his youngest daughter and son-in-law and their family. He had an inspiring journey while viewing God’s majestic scenery. His love for the Northwest was evident when he said “if you breathe in deeply, you can smell life here.” He felt revived.
Rick passed away under the devoted and loving care of his daughter, Ana and son-in-law, Fred. It was their honor to provide care for him in their home until his passing on Saturday July 16, 2022… when God called his warrior home.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Providence Hospice of Oregon, Patty (R.N.) and Ericka Bencomo (niece) of Las Vegas, Nevada for providing thoughtful and dedicated care and assistance to their father, Ricardo R. Valenzuela
The family will hold a private graveside service in Tacoma, Washington with full military honors.
In lieu of gifts, the family asks for prayer for all those suffering from PTSD and terminal illnesses.
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