Richard Allen Horrocks

Richard Allen Horrocks was born June 1, 1947, to Max and Josephine (Meyer) Horrocks in Portland, OR. Rich grew up in Portland and attended schools in the David Douglas School District. He loved sports. He played football, basketball, and baseball. He was also in the choir. He graduated from David Douglas High School in 1965. He then attended Portland Community College. During his high school and college years, he worked at Kelly’s Drive-in (where he first met his wife Sharon), Pappy’s Restaurant, and Leeds Shoes.

In March of 1969, his 39 plus year career began at Union 76. Over those years, the company was also called Unocal 76, Tosco 76, Phillips 66, and finally Conoco Phillips. He was a warehouseman doing several different jobs and eventually became head of the filling department. Rich retired in 2008.

Rich has an entire room in his home dedicated to his “76” collection including trucks, hats, oil cans, pens, awards, and much more. He was known as “Rich 76” or “Mr. 76.” Other nicknames include Dick, Buckshot, Dicky Doodle, Rich, Ricky, Ricky Rocco, Uncle Ricky, Richie, Richie Rich, Daddy Rich, Dad, Poppy, Favorite, Papa Rich, Papa, Pa, Grandpa, Hon, Dear, Ducky, Donald Duck, Ricky Ropes, Hot Rod Horrocks, and “JJ” Jabber Jaws since he loved to talk.

Rich was an avid Breweriana collector (beer collectibles). There is an entire bedroom in the house known as “THE BEER ROOM” where his collection is proudly displayed.

Over the years, Rich became a member of many beer collecting clubs. In 1978, he became a member of the Brewery Collectibles Club of America (BCCA) and became Co-Chairman of the National Convention in 1986. He became a member of the Rainier Chapter of the BCCA in the 1980’s. In 2016, he headed up the BCCA CANvention in Portland. He also became a member of the American Breweriana Association (ABA) in 1992. Rich was a National Director for the ABA between 2004-2014. He was also Chairman of the National Annual Meeting in Portland in 2007. His ABA roots go back to 1978 when he became a member of the Cascade Breweriana Association (his local chapter). He held several offices over the years and was very active with his local association. He joined the Columbine-Colorado Breweriana Association in the 1990’s and became a member of the Port of Potosi Chapter of the ABA in 2006. He was also a member of the NABA since 2019.

Rich appreciated microbrew craft beers…we called him a “Beer Snob.” He loved searching for new microbreweries where he could taste different brews. Some vacations were planned around them and the conventions. This included our June 13, 1998, honeymoon to Eau Clare, WI, making tourist trips along the way.

Rich enjoyed his life to the fullest. His positive attitude and bright smile lit up the room. He never met a stranger. After talking to someone for five minutes, he would have a new friend. He treasured his friendships and never forgot a name. He loved to watch and play sports of any kind. He played in volleyball, basketball and softball leagues, played golf, and enjoyed running races. Rich loved to travel anywhere and everywhere, even at the last minute’s notice. He called it “Daniel Booning it,” which was traveling with no reservations. Rich was the life of the party. He loved to dance and was called the “dancing machine.”

Rich loved his family deeply. As a father, he went to his daughters’ games and events, cheering them on. He watched his granddaughters, Vicki and Julia, play softball and lacrosse. He would build Lincoln Logs with his grandson Evan and watched him do taekwondo and basketball. Rich enjoyed being a “race car announcer” as his grandson Max rode his bike down the driveway. He would say, “In lane number 6 from Milwaukie OR, Hot Rod Zuber! On your mark, get set, go!” as Max rode down into the cul-de-sac. Perhaps the thing he was most famous for, at least with kids, was his Donald Duck impersonation. He could turn a crying child into a smiling one. He used this talent while selling shoes, helping mothers in the grocery store and especially with his family. The grandchildren used to say, “Grandpa talks funny.”

Rich was known as “the ever-ready battery,” as he would keep going and going when everyone else was tired and wanted to quit. He was a hard worker and took pride in everything he did. He loved to work in his yard. When he finished, his yard looked immaculate.

Rich was a fighter and never gave up. He battled various health issues for 13 years. He fought until the very end on June 2, 2024. Rich passed away peacefully with his two daughters holding his hands and hearing how much he was loved.

Rich is survived by:
Sharon, wife (married June 13, 1998)
Daughter Renee Goodin, husband Aric, grandson Evan
Daughter Kristi Zuber, husband Marco, grandson Max
Stepson Drew Garvin, wife Erin, granddaughters Vicki and Julia
Sister Kathleen Davenport, husband Scott, niece Kim and nephew Scott
He also had other nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Instead of flowers, please donate to an agency of your choice. His favorites were Boys Town, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Legacy Emanuel (Randall) Children’s Hospital.