Our family lost our beloved patriarch, Rick Trujillo, on Thursday, August 13th, at 10:19 PM. He took his final breaths surrounded by the warmth and prayers of those who loved him most. Anyone who knew Rick knew he was a vibrant, outgoing force of nature who loved Jesus and his family with all his heart. While he was strong and bold in character, he was a total softie when it came to his roles as a dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A constant joker who loved to play, Rick rarely called anyone by their given name, preferring to give clever nicknames to his children and grandchildren. Over the years, his heart only grew bigger, happily "adopting" countless friends of his kids and grandkids that also called him, "Dad", "Papa", or "Grandpa" along the way.

Though born in Colorado, Rick grew up in Manhattan Beach, California, alongside his siblings, Dennis Romero, Eunice Burden, and Ross Romero. A natural athlete who excelled at football and basketball, he spent his youth surfing the waves and playing beach volleyball. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving four years with deployments to Germany and during the Vietnam War. While stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, at age 19, he met 16-year-old Pauline at a YMCA dance. Rick would later tell family he remembered that night vividly—Pauline was simply the most gorgeous woman in the room. Pauline, who was painfully shy at the time, only went because her sister Grace forced her to go and lent her a dress. Rick asked the timid beauty to dance, and by their second date, he boldly declared that she was going to be his wife one day. After a year of dating, he asked Pauline to join him in Germany to marry him. She immediately booked a flight to California, where they were wed before flying to Germany to finish his tour of duty.

Following his military service, Rick and Pauline returned to California, where he became a crew chief for American Airlines at LAX. Their family soon grew with the birth of their daughters, Tina and Jeanette. Those early years were filled with weekend family jogs in matching tracksuits to the local Orange Julius and pool parties for the softball teams Rick lovingly coached.

When Rick was transferred to the DFW airport, the family moved to Texas, building a life rich with softball games and legendary annual Halloween parties. As the girls grew into young adults, Rick accepted another transfer with American Airlines to PDX in Portland, where he spent most of his remaining career, along with a short stint at SeaTac. Rick truly loved his work and retired at the young age of 55 after more than 30 dedicated years with the airline. In retirement, his world centered around his growing family. Rick adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he was the fixture who never missed a softball, soccer, football, basketball, or baseball game. You could always hear him from the sidelines, shouting words of encouragement—and the occasional friendly correction. His vibrant presence made him a beloved staple at every single game.

Never one to sit still, Rick turned his lifelong love of music into a 15-year career as a karaoke DJ. He was delighted in performing his signature songs and even formed a singing group with his daughters and their friends called "Rick and the Inspirations." They traveled throughout Vancouver, Battle Ground, and Woodland, bringing uplifting music to residents in senior homes and hospice facilities. Bringing joy through song to those who needed it most was one of the absolute highlights of his life.

Rick was also a die-hard USC fan, surrounding himself with Trojans memorabilia and keeping up with sports news by the minute. Traveling all around Washington and Oregon watching his grandchildren and great-granddaughter playing sports was one of his favorite past times. Even in his final weeks, he channeled his inner "Superman," summoning the strength to attend his great-granddaughter Aria's local sports games. His grandchildren—Quentin, Tabor, Noel, and Steely—and his great grandchildren—Aria and Aurora—knew their grandfather as a man who showered them continuously with affection and unconditional love. He taught everyone around him how to be generous by helping others in need, and love deeply and without fear, reminding us to live life to the fullest.

In heaven, Rick is reunited with his daughter, Sheila Trujillo, his parents, Joe & Rose Romero, and his brother, Dennis Romero, along with many past friends, uncles, aunts, and cousins. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pauline Trujillo, his daughter, Tina Trujillo, his daughter, Jeanette Creagan (Jeff Creagan), his grandchildren, Quentin Trujillo (Erika Malagon), Tabor Creagan (Kelsey Creagan), Noel Trujillo (Bryce Riggs), Steely Creagan (Emily Creagan), his great grandchildren, Aria Trujillo, and Aurora Creagan, his sister, Eunice Burdon (Jody Burdon), his brother, Ross Romero (Arleen Romero), niece’s Amber Romero, and Amanda Romero, and his nephew, Ryan Romero.

As we lay Rick to rest, we are forever grateful to God for granting us extra time to surround him with the same profound love and respect he spent a lifetime giving to us. During his time in hospice, the endless visits and phone calls were a testament to the countless lives he touched.

In honor of Rick’s memory, we invite you to carry his vibrant spirit forward: love outwardly, hold your family close, and cherish every single day—because as Rick reminded us after telling us he loved us, it is always and forever.

His song on Earth may have ended, but his melody lingers in our hearts forever.