Richard D. Browning

Richard D. Browning

AUGUST 8, 1945–APRIL 3, 1974

By His Wife, Sharon Chase

My husband, Richard, was born in Canada. He had a dual citizenship. He was a loving husband and father. He had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed spending quality time with his family. He was always more than willing to help me around the house (he loved ironing and household chores), so that we could spend time together. Richard was a good provider and worked very hard to make sure we had all the comforts of home. He was well-liked in our community.

Richard was a workaholic. He worked for a few years at the Phillips 66 service station as Manager. He left this position and continued management elsewhere. Richard was also a bar tender when he lived in Nevada prior to us getting married.

Richard was in the Navy and proudly served our country. His ambition was to become a Navy Seal, however, since he was not able to see without his glasses, he was not able to qualify.

I have so many fond memories, however, one instance stands out in my mind. Richard had been teaching me self-defense. One day, he hid in the closet, waiting for me to pass by. He wanted to test my reaction and judgment in an aggressive situation. Without thinking, I actually flipped him over. We both had such a great laugh over this. He was such a wonderful and patient man... and we were best friends until the day he was murdered.

On April 3, 1974, Richard had left home to trade some guns and never returned. Six (6) weeks later (on May 18, 1974), his body was discovered near the mouth of the Malheur River, north of Ontario, Oregon. His hands were bound behind his back and the Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide; method of death— drowning. 

Ontario Police Department believe this murder was the result of Richard being an informant regarding illegal weapons.To date, my husband’s murder has not been solved. I have no answers and communication with the Ontario Police Department has ended. Someone knows what happened to my husband and I am hoping and praying that after so many years someone will come forward. I need answers and Richard deserves justice. Please contact Michael Iwai, Chief of Police, Ontario Police Department at (541) 881-3231.