After A-School, Dad was stationed back in California at Lemoore Naval Air Station in Lemoore, California. His first daughter, Catherine Gayle was born there on May 11, 1969. In 1971, Dad went to the Phillipines to join The Uss Kitty Hawk already on route to The Tonkin Gulf in Vietnam. He was at sea for 6 months. While on board, he received many awards for excellence in duty. He mustered out of The Navy right after his return from sea.
He and his family returned to Oregon in April of 1972. His second daughter, Laurie Ann was born June 23, 1972. Dad went to work for his father-in-law, Bud Coates for a short while working construction. When work was slow, Dad took a job with Jim Bacon Tires. Dwight and Cathy had another daughter on November 14, 1974, Daisy Lois. He was still working for Jim Bacon, received a promotion and began managing a store in Tigard, Oregon. A forth daughter was born, March 14, 1977, Sarah Jessica. Jim Bacon sold the store and Dad went to work for Chris Kuppler at Art Stearns Tire Factory in Portland, Oregon. Dad worked there for quite awhile. Dwight and Cathy divorced in 1992.
The Craftsman...
Dad always had a gift for wood working and building. He could look at a picture and make the same thing without directions. He even made intricate puzzles for the children. Dad began contracting for himself in 1993. His daughter made a few signs and with good comments from a happy customers, Dad quickly had more work than there were hours in a day.
Dad remarried in 1996.
The Cancer...
The complete story regarding Dad's pancreatic cancer can be found on The Cancer page. See below and click on the link.
Dwight Reicks Memorial Ribbon