Richard Charles Shrake's Obituary
Richard Shrake Obituary
Richard Charles Shrake died July 24, 2023, peacefully at home in Sunriver, Oregon. He was born April 11, 1944, in Salem, Oregon to Warren and Eva Shrake.
An icon in the professional horse industry, Richard’s talent for caring and working with animals began in childhood. Around 11 years old this talent grew into an interest in horses, and Richard began competing in 4-H on a local and state level. By age 18, he was competing on a national level. Richard competed in horse judging and became one of the youngest judges in the country at 21 years old for the American Horse Show Association and the United States Equestrian Federation. At the same time, Richard joined the Oregon Air National Guard.
Richard was a legendary horseman, trainer, instructor and judge throughout his life. He started Horsemanship West in Oregon City, Oregon, a stable where he instructed and trained world championship riders and horses. Richard had a special gift for teaching, the capacity for unlimited patience, and was a great communicator. Richard’s riders made up a humorous song titled “Richard Shrake had 50 kids...” that exemplified how beloved and respected he was. Richard was dedicated to the humane treatment of horses and went on to enrich the lives of thousands of riders and their horses.
Richard’s distinguished achievements in the horse industry included judge of world championship shows for five major breeds; coach of the U.S. World Cup team; author of best-selling books; lecturer at over 200 universities and colleges; content producer of a successful equine instructional video series; designer of saddles, bits and tack for major equine companies; writer of a syndicated monthly magazine column; advisory board member for numerous university equine programs; inductee in the Horse Expo Hall of Fame; and creator of the Resistance Free Riding and Training programs.
Richard was an active member of Community Bible Church in Sunriver, Oregon where he attended church services every Sunday and weekly bible study. Richard was a devout Christian, and faith was important to him. Every letter ended with “God Bless You.” If he heard good news, Richard’s response was “Thank the Lord.” Richard prayed for his family and friends.
Richard had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed a funny story and could be counted on to tell a good joke. He enjoyed riding his electric bike on the paths of Sunriver visiting his neighbors and friends. Richard loved college football and cheered on the Oregon Ducks, Beavers, and the Baylor Bears. If you called Richard on a Saturday in the fall, he would be watching a game, wearing his team’s hat, and cheering them on.
Richard frequently visited the local public library and was always on a quest to learn something new and share it with friends and family. He was the consummate people-person and an outstanding conversationalist. As the saying goes, Richard never met a stranger. He was kind-hearted to everyone. Once you were in Richard’s orbit, you had his full attention, and he genuinely cared about what you were saying. When you talked again months later, he would ask you how your loved one was doing or about your vacation because you had mentioned it months prior, and he remembered.
Richard never had a bad word to say about anyone...ever. Richard always saw the good in everyone and everything. It was always the prettiest sunset, we were always lucky to be wherever we were, the dinner we were eating was the tastiest ever. His optimism and joy for the beauty of each day was extraordinary.
You were fortunate if you were in regular contact with Richard. He was a great listener, generous with his time and attention, and you were going to hear a pearl of wisdom from Richard’s view that the world was full of hope and cheer.
Richard loved spending time with his family and was a beloved father and grandfather. He always made his family feel valued and cherished. His family and those who loved him will miss Richard deeply.
Richard Shrake is survived by his wife, LeeAnn Beyer of Sunriver, Oregon; son Justin Shrake and step- children Steven Pless, Joey Ross, Jill Pless and their families including 11 grandchildren and 5 great- grandchildren. Richard is survived by his sister Mary Lou Zeek and family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Eva Shrake; sister, Janice Howell; and brother Gregg Shrake.
“May you always ride a good horse.” Richard Shrake
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