Ricky Charles Haglund Sr.

Ricky Charles Haglund Sr., aka “Rick” Haglund, was born on Dec. 22, 1963, in Astoria, to Shirley Jean Leino Haglund and Gilbert “Doc” Charles Haglund. His three older sisters, Debbie, Tammy and Cheryl, welcomed their new baby brother.

Rick grew up in Svensen and attended Knappa schools. Although Rick did not graduate from high school, he began his working career early. He learned to fish with his dad on the Columbia River. He also learned how to make windows at Bergeson Wood Windows, and even had the opportunity to build a window for Harrison Ford.

Rick also worked for John Barendse, doing forest maintenance, but most recently, he was employed by Dennis Vinson, of Vinson Brothers Construction, where he operated heavy equipment. His CB handle was “Ricko.”

In September 1986, Rick married Barbara (Bobbie) Wright. They later divorced, and in 1988 he married Theresa Moore in Astoria. Together, they had two children, Brooke Marie and Ricky Charles Haglund Jr. Rick and Theresa later divorced, and Theresa and their children relocated to Bakersfield, California.

Rick was a hard worker, but he did enjoy his free time when he would go to the beach with family and friends, build bonfires, eat “goodie goodies,” tell stories that were interesting as well as humorous, and just hang out — especially with his dog, Gilbert, otherwise, lovingly known as “Gilly.”

They were true buddies, and Gilly even went to work with Rick until he was too big to fit in the cab of the machine Rick operated. He was a great companion for Rick.

Rick also had a profound sense of humor, and he would interject little sayings here and there that people would remember. One of his most-used sayings was “chin up and trudge forward.”

In the autumn of 2002, Rick met his significant other, Debbie Foley, and soon he openly welcomed her and her three children, Mitchell Peak, Derek Foley and Shania Foley as his family.  He accepted the children as his own.

Shania was especially close to Rick, and helped care for him during his previous and recent health issues. She was like a daughter to him, and he was the father figure in her life.

Rick had some time off work in April until just a couple of weeks ago, due to having his left leg amputated just below the knee. He was extremely glad to be feeling better, and was able to return to work with his prosthetic leg in place. He was able to get back in his machine and continue working in the woods.

In 2007, the four siblings learned of another full-blood sister, who had been given up for adoption in 1954. Rick had been given information in the mid-1990s from a family friend, who asked him if he was aware that there was another sibling out there somewhere.

This took Rick totally by surprise, and when the opportunity arose, Debbie sought to find her. All her efforts paid off, and Sally Luoma Gough was her name. She grew up in Roseburg, and was now living in Beaverton.

When Rick got the call from Sally, he was emotional and excited to learn how close she was. She was able to soon visit with her newfound family and, along with her husband, Evan, she would meet her four new siblings within a few weeks!

After several conversations over the phone, they planned to meet each other over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. They finally met face-to-face on July 7, 2007, for the first time, and Sally had even been able to meet her biological father before he passed away in 2009. Sadly, Sally passed away in 2015, but what a blessing to have been able to meet and get to know her over the eight years she was with us.

Recently, Rick became a grandfather for the first time when his daughter, Brooke, blessed him with a beautiful baby girl, Polly Sue, on Aug. 8, 2023. Rick got to spend time with her recently, and the love he had for that little girl was amazing. You could just see it in his eyes.

Rick had a gentle spirit and a giving heart to all who knew him. He would always be willing to help anyone in distress, and loved his family more than anything.

Holiday meals at his home were special, because everyone said grace over the meal, and then went around the table holding hands and expressing what they were thankful for.

He enjoyed taking a drive down the coast or to Jones Beach with Debbie Foley and picking up a bottle of wine, some cheese and crackers, or some type of meat to nibble on. He was the one who thought of those special things to do.

He was a big man with an even bigger heart, plus a gentle touch, and he always liked to make others feel special. Everyone who knew Rick knew him as a friend. Everyone will surely feel the loss of that friendship, but will always remember the good times and the happiness he brought. That was a part of all our lives.

Rick is survived by his children, Brooke Marie and Ricky Charles Haglund Jr. (Erica); his siblings, Debbie Lake, Tammy Haglund (Robert Burns) and Cheryl Clark (Dan); significant other, Debbie Foley, and her children, Mitchell Peak, Derek Foley and Shania Foley; nieces, Haylee Clark Streeter (Rueben) and Alydia Rose Lake Micheau (Matt); nephews, Brandon Moore (Kelly Dunlap), Deion Moore (Emily Enz) and Hayden Clark (Morgan Morrow); and a granddaughter, Polly Sue Yates.

He is also survived by his grand-nieces, Alexis Moore, Harper Grace Moore and Karina Victoria Lake Micheau; grand-nephews, Ori Moore, Jett Moore, Archer Streeter, Elliot Morgan Lake Micheau and Derek Callan Lake Micheau; stepmother, Vera Jean Haglund; several cousins; and close family friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Sally Luoma Gough.

There is a celebration of life potluck for Rick downstairs at the Clatsop Post 12 American Legion in Astoria from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 10. Bring a story to share.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.