Richard Ebel (BSJ54)

Richard “Rick” Glenn Ebel, 89, died on May 16th after a long fight with Lewy body dementia in Silverton, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy McGregor Ebel, who died on September 9, 2011.

Rick, a man of enormous intellect, had a smile which could disarm anyone and was a friend to all who knew him. He was the loving father of and is survived by his son Robert Ebel (wife Melissa Ebel) of Beaufort, SC and grandfather to their children Ashlyn and Brandon Ebel; and his daughter, Challen Bomont (husband Steve Bomont) of Wilsonville, OR and grandfather to their daughter, Donelle Bomont.

Rick grew up in Holland and Grand Haven, MI. He was a graduate of Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism in 1954 and a member of Theta Delta Chi fraternity. In his 40’s, Rick decided to go back to school and earned a master’s degree at Northern Illinois University. In his later years, he took classes at Oregon State University in Corvallis where he and his wife ‘Nan’ ultimately retired.

Rick served in the Unites States Army during the Korean War, eventually being stationed in Japan. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he married Nancy McGregor, his wife of 55 years, and embarked on a lengthy career in advertising and public relations. An early advocate of advertising education, Rick was most at home on college campuses across the country where he lectured students in marketing. He was inducted into his industry’s Hall of Fame in 2008. The Ebel’s resided in Northbrook, IL for many years followed by Grapevine, TX, Hot Springs, AK and finally Corvallis, OR.

Rick was a member of the United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School for more than a decade and held numerous lay positions.

Rick authored both academic books and a work of fiction. Rick was an avid sailor, animal lover, Detroit Tigers fan, voracious reader and connoisseur of the perfect “martini!” which in heaven are now limitless for him.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/chicagotribune/name/richard-ebel-obituary?id=34987845