Wayne Cuddy Riches passed away on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019 at Salem Hospital of cardiac arrest. He was 68.
Wayne was born May 9, 1950 in Salem and graduated from Silverton High School in 1968. He attended Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Oregon in 1969, then went on to serve in the Oregon National Guard and attended Basic Infantry School in Fort Knox, Kentucky in 1970.
For four decades he was the principal maintenance and repair manager of the H.L. Riches and Sons farm in the Waldo Hills. He was an accomplished welder, metal craftsman and mechanic.
Wayne was a fiddler and was a supporter of traditional music jam sessions held at the Waldo Hills Community Club and other venues in Marion County. For 11 years he was a participant in the Waldo Hills Trail Rides held by the Silver Falls Chapter of the Oregon Equestrian Trail Organization. He was an avid supporter of OSU football, basketball, baseball and wrestling.
He possessed a jovial sense of humor, loved laughter and was an adept storyteller. For many years Wayne provided Christmas joy with his colorful portrayal of Santa. Wayne’s generosity, kindness and availability to those around him will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cathaleene and Harry Riches, and by his brother Jack Riches. He is survived by his sister Cathie Riches of Salem, brother Ray Riches of Spokane, Washington and many nieces and nephews.
Friends and acquaintances are welcome to attend a celebration of life at 1 p.m. followed by a potluck on March 2 at the Waldo Hills Community Club located at the intersection of Cascade Highway and Sunnyview Road, 1267 NE Cascade Highway, Silverton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or to a charity of choice. At a later date, a private inurnment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. Cremation services were handled by Crown Memorial Center of Salem.
