Richard (Rick) Dudley Browning
September 21, 1952 - July 30, 2022
Richard Dudley Browning (Rick) was born on September 21, 1952 in Tallahassee, Florida and spent his formative years in Fort Lauderdale. Sailing was a big part of his life, taught to him by his father.
Rick graduated from the University of Oregon with degrees in Japanese and Architecture. He was a licensed Architect and member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in Washington and Oregon, at times a board member or chair of various committees. Rick received the 2020 AIA Honoree Award for Community Service for his work in Washington and Oregon.
Rick was a partner in his own small firm for 15 years and worked at a number of larger firms and governmental agencies. Throughout his career and in retirement, Rick’s mission was to improve the quality of life in dense urban areas. He was guided by a deep sense of good stewardship toward the environment and future generations. Advancing non-car modes of transportation was a passion.
Rick was a lifelong avid reader. Creative interests included writing, sketching and cooking. He loved nature, the outdoors and activities such as hiking, running, cross-country skiing and above all, cycling. He raced in Florida and was a bike messenger in Washington DC.
In Portland he was known for “Rick’s Adventure Rides” and was an early proponent of gravel riding long before the days of cell phones and GPS navigation. Rick led multi-day bike camping fundraisers for the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, introducing cyclists to the best back roads in Oregon. He was the recipient of the prestigious Bud Clark Award in recognition of his many years of bicycle activism. He was also a longtime member of the Bicycle Advisory Committee.
Rick passed away on July 30, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. He is survived by many family members and friends with cherished memories of him. Donations may be made in his honor to Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, Feet First, or Recompose Community Fund. Outside of Washington state, to organizations promoting the care of the environment or non-car modes of transportation. Or to organizations advancing Prostate Cancer research.
