Richard J Vanderford

June 13, 1957 - January 29, 2022

Richard Joel Vanderford passed away on January 29,2022, with his loving family by his side. He was born on June 13, 1957 in American Falls, Idaho, and was raised in Aberdeen, Idaho, graduating from Aberdeen High School in 1975. For the past 18 years he and his wife, Virginia, resided in Sherwood, Oregon. His education included an Associate of Science degree from Idaho State University, a Bachelors of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from Weber State University and a Certification in Machining Technology. For the past eight years he was employed as a senior design engineer at AGC Electronics America, in Hillsboro, Oregon. Prior to that he had twenty years of experience in various design engineering positions. Richard had an incredible work ethic which began at an early age sweeping his father’s shop floors. Richard is survived by his wife, Virginia, stepson Chris Tolsma (wife Kate), stepdaughter Jessica Keefe, grandsons Hunter and Aiden Tolsma, brother Tom (Linda) Vanderford, sister Donna (Keith) Philips, sister Bonnie (Lyle) Armstrong, numerous nieces and nephews and dearest friends Kevin Hoagland and Sarah Toevs. Travel, good food, craft beer and Oregon wines were a few of Richard’s favorite things. After earning his private pilot’s license, he began the process of building his own plane. He could identify the type of any plane flying overhead and loved attending air shows. Richard enjoyed the North West and time at the Oregon coast. He was an incredible husband, brother, stepfather, uncle and friend. He will be missed by so many, including, his dog Harley. A special thank you to family, friends, neighbors and his coworkers and AGC Electronics. We experienced so much love and support during these past five months. And a very heartfelt thank you to Providence Hospice for all they assisted us with. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on June 4, 2022, in Aberdeen, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, donations to the animal rescues of choice would be appreciated.