Richard Lis Kleinosky

Richard Lis was born on April 30, 1953, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Johnstown High School and was married to Mary Jane Van Cavage of Johnstown. They had a daughter, Heather. In the 80’s, Rick worked as a laboratory data analyst for Westinghouse. While working there he completed his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Rick was preceded in death by his former wife Mary Jane and his sister Rose Marie King, of Johnstown. He is survived by his daughter, Heather (Don) May, and granddaughter Olivia of Greencastle, PA: his brothers, Mark Kleinosky, of Johnstown, PA and Matthew (Melanie) Kleinosky, of Toronto, Canada; and many nieces, nephews, grandnephews, grandnieces and cousins. Also, he is survived by his companion and best friend, the woman he called his soul mate of 22 years, ‘Marta’. Their love for one another was one of loyalty through thick and thin. From an early age, Rick was drawn to the outdoors and was insatiably curious about nature. Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett were his childhood heroes. As an adult Rick left town on weekends to go solo backpacking to spend time among the wild things that amazed him. In his thirties, his professional career as a chemist lost all its appeal, and he bailed out to go see America while he was still young enough to do it. When money ran out, he learned the ways of the homeless to meet his financial and physical needs and made the outdoors his refuge, camping among the trees. Getting older he gave up this lifestyle and got his own apartment, then spent the last several years of his life “giving back”. If one took the time to know Rick and listened carefully, one would have found him to be full of knowledge and would enjoy fascinating stories of his travels. He arrived in Oregon to pick wild mushrooms and made it his home. He felt lucky to have found a wonderful community in Corvallis. He dedicated his last years to giving back in service to the community, and continuing his art, photography, and poetry, leading, mentoring and inspiring many. Included in the list of Rick’s dedicated and faithful volunteering was the Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center and Corvallis Sustainability Coalition. In respect for Rick;s wishes no formal funeral service will be held at this time. A private memorial will happen later.

Tributes

Richard Lis Kleinosky

April 30, 1953 - April 21, 2024