Rick Dale Martinson

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bargeway in The Dalles on May 3rd, 2025, from 2pm-6pm. Please RSVP with link attached below.

Rick Martinson, of The Dalles, Oregon passed away at the age of 67 on December 24th, 2024 after a courageous fight with ALS.

Rick was born on September 26th, 1957 to Dale and Adoline Martinson in Radcliffe, Iowa. He was the third of five children, collectively known as the five “R”s: Randy, Rhonda, Reggy, and Rory. After graduating high school, Rick later attended Iowa State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Fish and Wildlife Management.

Soon after graduation, Rick joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in the Philippines supporting local fisheries. During his time in the Peace Corps, Rick met his first wife, Katie Montag, the mother of his children. He spoke fondly of his experience abroad, having made lifelong friends and cherished memories.

In the Spring of 1988, Rick took a temporary job in The Dalles, Oregon, that would lead to a 34-year career dedicated to monitoring the smolt salmon population in the Columbia River. In The Dalles, Rick met his devoted wife of the last sixteen years, Mary.

Rick often said that raising his daughters was the greatest accomplishment of his life. As a devoted dad and handyman he became involved in numerous community projects. These included helping build Tree Top Play Park, developing the concession stand for the Softball Association, playing a key role in organizing St. Mary’s auctions for many years, and coaching his daughters’ sports teams.

After retiring in 2022, Rick enjoyed spending his time remodeling homes, photographing the beautiful Pacific Northwest, woodworking, framing, and hunting. He loved fishing on the Columbia River in his boat, playing basketball on his lunch break, and meeting his Wednesday night men’s group for poker.

Rick was a devoted father, loving husband, and a kind and loyal friend. You could always count on him to lend a hand, exchange a story, or grab a beer.

Rick is survived by his wife, Mary Martinson; daughters Hannah and Kelsey Martinson; stepsons Spencer and Casey Dodd; four siblings Randy, Rhonda, Reggy, and Rory; and many friends and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his father, Dale, and mother, Adoline.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to ALS Northwest, an organization that was instrumental in supporting Rick and his family, as well as others living with ALS in the area. Visit https://secure.alsnorthwest.org to learn more.