Richard "Dick" David Sagor's Obituary
Richard “Dick” David Sagor passed away surrounded by his family on April 5, 2024, due to complications from heart surgery. He was 74.
Dick was born May 28, 1949, in Westchester County, New York, to Harriet and Irving Sagor. He joined older brother, Bob, whom he idolized (and terrorized) throughout their childhood. Spells of harmless juvenile delinquency led Dick’s parents to enroll him in the progressive, alternative Windsor Mountain School—a decision that instilled in him a life-long dedication to student-centered education.
Dick translated his experience at Windsor Mountain and degrees from NYU and the University of Oregon into a successful career in teaching, school administration, higher education, and consulting. His gifts of storytelling, empathetic observation, and inspirational leadership left an invaluable impact on countless students.
Dick’s greatest pride was his family. He met the love of his life, Tanis, in 1974. During their 45 years of marriage, Dick and Tanis enjoyed hundreds of Oregon Duck football games, eight beloved retrievers, and dozens of travel adventures near and far. He relished nothing more than being dad to Ellisa and Emma, dad-in-law to Tristan, and papa to Isla. His most cherished memories include reunions with his beloved nieces and nephews and other extended family, especially his cousin, Jodi.
For the past seven years, Dick called Arizona and Oregon home. He put hundreds of miles each week on his bike, marveling at the beauty of these opposite yet equally stunning landscapes. His creative talents revealed themselves later in life, and friends across the globe are now lucky enough to own original Dick Sagor pottery.
All who knew and loved Dick treasured his larger than life, one-of-a-kind personality. We will forever miss his incredible stories, affinity for rhinos, commitment to the sunglasses emoji, appreciation of a good steak, and beautiful spirit.
May his memory be a blessing.
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