Richard C. "Dick" Wilson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Richard C. “Dick” Wilson, beloved husband, father, brother, and respected businessman, who passed away suddenly on July 11, 2026, at the age of 85. Dick was born in Portland, Oregon, on October 4, 1940, to Charles S. and Marjorie (Warren) Wilson. The family later made Corvallis, Oregon, their home, where they began the automobile legacy that would become Wilson Motors, a dealership that continues to serve the community today. As a young man, Dick was active in the outdoors and enjoyed horses, hunting, fishing, and golf. He played golf for the Corvallis High School team before continuing with golf and his education at Whitman College in Washington. He later earned a degree in Business from Oregon State University before beginning his career with IBM in Portland. After several years, he returned to Corvallis to join his father in business at Wilson Motors. Dick was a member of Rotary, the Corvallis Elks Club, as well as the Skyline Trail Riders of Oregon and served for several years on the Benton County Fair Board. He was also part of the Pacific City Dory Fleet, sportfishing out of Cape Kiwanda from 1970 to 2000. A respected businessman in the community, Dick built lasting relationships with many clients who first came to him looking for a vehicle and over the years became cherished friends. He cared about giving back to the community and creating opportunities for the next generation. Whether talking shop, offering business advice, sharing humor, or trading fishing reports, Dick was a trusted and reliable friend to people from all walks of life. When Dick wasn’t in the corner office at Wilson Motors, he could often be found enjoying the outdoors with friends and family. While in Corvallis he tinkered with woodworking, in his horse barn or in his deck garden of tomatoes and cucumbers. Many weekends were spent at his much-loved home in Newport where he found great joy fishing on his boat and camaraderie with fellow fishermen. During the fishing offseason, Dick was a respectful hunter of deer, elk, duck, and pheasants. He always looked forward to the annual upland bird hunting trips to his farms in Eastern Oregon where he would humbly gloat over the achievements of his treasured Labrador, Maggie. Dick was most happy sitting at the head of the dinner table with his family around him for Sunday dinners. He is survived by his wife, Liza Wilson; his son, Tom Wilson, and wife, Angie Wilson; his daughters, Dana Bakley and Jennifer Flanagan, and Jennifer’s husband, Tom Flanagan; his grandchildren, Wyatt and Audrey Flanagan; his sisters, Kathryn Washburn and husband, Edgar Washburn, and Carol Beckham and husband, Robert Beckham; and his niece, Katy Albertson. In lieu of a funeral, the family will hold a Celebration of Life, to eat, drink, and share stories in Dick’s memory. Richard C. “Dick” Wilson Celebration of Life Saturday, October 3, 2026 4 – 7pm (PT) Philomath Scout Lodge 660 Clemens Mill Rd, Philomath, OR 97370

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Richard C. "Dick" Wilson

October 4, 1940 - July 11, 2026