Aug. 9, 1945 - Feb. 19, 2022
Richard, best known to friends as Rick, was born 8/9/1945 in Brooklyn, NY. Following ongoing and worsening illness, Rick passed 2/19/2022 in Bakersfield, CA, where he resided most of his life.
Reuniting and celebrating eternal life with our Heavenly Father and with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, are: Rick's parents, Nellie and Louis Knettel; brothers Chris Knettel and Douglas Gerard; sister Gloria Gaiser; and nieces Louise Knettel-Oxford and Jamie Oxford.
Upon graduating from Bakersfield High School, Rick secured his first jobs at Newberry's and the iconic Fox Theater. After saving from his first few paychecks, Rick announced that we would no longer need our aluminum Christmas tree and color wheel, as he proudly accepted the ownership of purchasing living trees going forward. And he did. Huge trees, barely fitting through our front door, occupying our entire front window. For years to follow, we enjoyed decorating those huge trees, as Rick's cherished train sets encircled it.
Dancing was a love of Rick's. Taking dance lessons with neighbor Charlotte, and dancing at every opportunity, on the televised show American Bandstand.
Rick enjoyed traveling the state, exploring and site-seeing, during which time he met his best friend of 45 years, and partner in love and life, Douglas Barber. Together, they enjoyed time at the coast and surrounding mountain sites. Because Doug is hearing impaired, Rick quickly learned to sign, enhancing his communications with Doug while developing a prideful partnership within the Deaf Community.
In passing, Rick is survived by his beloved partner Doug Barber; sisters Rosemarie and husband Ron Achten, Luann Allen, Pamela and husband James Oxford, and Christine Goings. Also survived by many nieces and nephews; Shurice, Iver, Dustin, Brian, Crystal, J.J., Stephanie, and Jessica, as well as many great-nieces and nephews. Rick is missed by both family and friends.
