After a courageous nine year fight with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Richard died on June 18, 2013.
Richard was born on January 23,1929 in Cleveland Ohio. He graduated from East Technical High School in 1948. He attended Cleveland College from 1949-1951 where he studied accounting. After returning from his tour in the ARMY, Richard attended Fern college from 1953-1956 and continued to study accounting. Richard then attended Cleveland Engineering school from 1954-1956 where he studied Machine Design earning another certification.
Richard served in the U.S. ARMY from 1951-1953. He did his basic training at Fort Knox, KY. With the 84 th tank battalion. Richard was stationed in Germany for 1 1/2 years at the 26 th Base Post Office. Richard continued doing the exact same exercises daily that he had learned in the ARMY, up until a few weeks before he passed away.
Richard worked in Santa Barbara at AMF (American Machine Foundry) from 1959-1964 as a Drafting Checker. He also, worked in Goleta for Applied Research as a Design Drafter From 1964-1967.For a short period he worked at Infrared from 1967-1968. Richard then went to work for Raytheon in Goleta from 1968 as a Senior Engineering Checker until he retired in December of 2004 after 36 years of dedication.
While vacationing in Santa Barbara Richard interviewed for a job and soon he and Beverly moved out to Santa Barbara in 1959. Richard enjoyed sports both watching and playing. He took a special interest in golf. He and Beverly introduced golf to their kids at a young age and enjoyed many family days of playing. Richard enjoyed watching his Angels Baseball and especially his Ohio State “BUCKEYE” football. Every Saturday he would announce “here come the BUCKS…”
He was a devoted father attending all of the kids school functions, boy scouts/campfire girl activities and sporting events. Even when he was working double jobs or overtime he always showed up to support us. He and Beverly made sure to plan for family vacations around the U.S. when the kids were young. He even mastered playing bowling with the Wii in the last few years with the help from his grandchildren. Richard had a wonderful sense of humor and would often tell the same corny jokes when he found a new audience.
Richard is survived by his wife Beverly, their son Jeff and their daughter Kim, grandchildren Sean and Alaina, his brother Lewis and sister Patti.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Ransohoff, Dr. Lee, Dr. Newman. The nurses and lab techs for their kindness and care towards Richard during his illness at Sansum Medical Clinic. We would also like to express our appreciation towards the many nurses and staff at Cottage hospital who encouraged and cared for Richard during his many visits.
Donations to honor Richard may be made to the Leukemia lymphoma foundation.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday June 26, 2013 @ 1:00 pm. Welch-Ryce-Haider, 450 Ward Drive,Santa Barbara. A private burial will follow at Goleta Cemetary.
