Richard Eugene Cornwell, born March 2, 1950 in Portland, OR. passed away after a brief battle with pneumonia on Monday, February 3, 2020 – just 4 weeks short of his 70th birthday.

Richard and his older sister, Helen, were adopted and raised by Wilmer J and Helen M Cornwell.  Their first home was in Milton-Freewater, Or.  They moved to Walla Walla when Richard and his sister started school. 

Richard joined the armed forces in the 1960’s and served 2 terms in the Vietnam War before returning to Walla Walla, Wa. where he lived out the remainder of his life.

Richard was a multi-talented person who worked as a mechanic and a handyman.  Richard was preceded in death by both of his parents, 3 siblings who died in infancy and one son, Todd Eugene Legrand, who passed away in 2007.

Richard was a loving companion, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his family.  He loved spending time with his family, children, and grandchildren.

He is survived by Julie Cornwell, his longtime companion, Helen Maureen Cornwell Smith, his sister, 4 children – Anita Gutierrez, Richard Eugene, Jr. and Corina Cornwell, Gerald (Jerry) E and Kellie Legrand, and Heather Bennett.

He also is survived by 16 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.

Richard asked that there be no funeral but did say that a Celebration of Life could be hosted in his honor.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life to be held on Richard’s birthday, Monday, March 2, 2020