At the age of 88, Dick Bay passed peacefully at home under the care of Serenity Hospice, and to their staff his family is eternally grateful.
Dick served in United States Navy from 1954-1957 as a Frogman with an Underwater Demolition Team. His five-man dive team was mostly assigned to U. S Marine Force Reconnaissance Unit serving in East Asia region. His areas of operations focused around the countries of North Korea and China.
He married his high school sweetheart, Carolee McCready, and they raised four children, Sandi Marie, Richard, Todd and Steven. He lived on the coast, working as a logger and commercial fisherman.
In 1958, Dick became a City of Toledo Police Officer. Within a couple of years, he moved the family to Salem, Oregon to go to college getting a degree in accounting. He restarted his law enforcement career as a Marion County Deputy Sheriff. He served from 1963-1985 and rose through the ranks to become a top administrator with the office.
Throughout his career, he was instrumental with developing Marion County’s Search and Rescue Teams, the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy Program, and developing the first Statewide Oregon Police Academy to certify Law Enforcement Officers. He spearheaded establishing the first Boys and Girls Club of Salem and other youth and law enforcement programs.
After 47 years of marriage, Carolee lost her battle with kidney disease.
In 2003, Dick married Lynn Thomson and for the next 20 years they loved each other and their combined families.
Dick leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He was forever grateful to live long enough to welcome each and every one of them into this world. He was predeceased by his parents, both sisters and his daughter, Sandi Marie.
Graveside Services will be held at Pratum Cemetery on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at 12 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. Following the service, a place has been prepared to gather at the Silverton Elks Lodge, 300 High St., Silverton.
