Richard Rick Allen Whatley

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Richard Allen Whatley who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Rick was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Rick knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Rick was born on July 11, 1953 at Culver City Hospital in Culver City, California. His parents were Jack and Dolores Whatley. Rick was raised in La Puente, California. Even as a youngster, Rick learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Rick was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Rick was raised with three siblings. He had one younger brother Gary and two younger sisters Sandra and Cindy. Rick had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Rick, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Rick's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Rick enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Rick's dad tried to get him interested in Little League but he hated missing his favorite TV shows. In his spare time he liked astronomy, guitar playing, fixing his mustang and photography. He had a brown belt in Karate. Richard's memorable achievements included annoying his siblings.

In school, Rick was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Rick was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Rick’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Workman High School in 1971. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was photography. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs Fox, his 6th grade year. Rick photographed the team's games for the yearbook.

Rick’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Rick’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Rick saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his certificate in electronics from DeVry and Mount San Antonio Jr. College in computer programing. Rick wrote a computer program that was used as an example of a great program by his teacher.

Rick was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Rick was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Rick came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Monte Howard, Allen Carter, Bobby Ackermann and Danny Yearout. Monte, Danny and Rick would sleep out in the backyard to watch the stars. In high school he was also friends with Stewart Takaki, Kenny Phone, Chris Banda and Greg Bliss. Later in life, he became friends with Margie and Gene Delonie, Rick Jenkins and Steve Pickering "The Pick". Gary Patterson got him involved with the Knights of Columbus.

An objective and conscientious individual, Rick reveled in the security of his family. On September 7, 1974 Rick exchanged wedding vows with Teresa Marie Tuttle at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church of Irwindale, California. One of Rick’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Rick was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Rick would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Rick was blessed with two children, two daughters, Sarah Marie and Laura Anne.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Rick was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Rick was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Rick upheld his standards. His primary occupation was produce department. He worked for Lucky stores then went to Alpha Beta were he became a produce department head. He worked at several different stores. He was employed 10 years by Alpha Beta before becoming disabled because of seizures. Rick was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Rick approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were photography and computers. Later gardening. Rick was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Rick to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included golfing. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball and the Super Bowl.

Being generous with his time and energy, Rick liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. In high school, Richard was a member of the Photography Club. Throughout his later years, Richard was an active member of the PTA at Lark Ellen, Las Palmas and Northview. He did the news letters for each school and won some awards for Northview.

A civic-minded person, Rick was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Politically, Richard was an outspoken Republican. He watched Fox News and Bill O'Riley. During these years, Rick applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to Rick. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe for 25 years and Sacred Heart for 13. During that time, he was Rick was active in the Knights of Columbus and helped at the Our Lady of Guadalupe fiesta every year.

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Rick could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Rick; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included receiving the Honorary Service Award from Northview PTA.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Rick used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Rick had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Yosemite and Alaska, Yellowstone, Mt. Ranier. Rick was always taking pictures. He took some great shots.

Rick was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Rick’s favorites was his computer mouse. His family was rounded out by his tropical fish for about 15 years.

When Rick’s retirement finally arrived in 1983, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he found new pleasure in golfing and fishing with his brother and friends. He helped so many with his computer skills. All electronic, he was our tech support. In many ways, Rick loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Rick passed away on February 17, 2012 at Inter Community Hospital in Covina, California. He is survived by his wife Teresa, his daughters Sarah and Laura, his parents Jack and Dolores, his brother Gary, his sisters Sandy Husband and Cindy Ptacak and many nieces and nephews. Services were held at Custer Christiansen Chapel.

Rick was kind of a "Grumpy" guy who was always willing to help. He loved Mike Holmes in"Holmes on Homes". He really took care of a lot of things. He knew everything about electronics and computers. He was very Techie. He built a computer in the garage when he was a kid. It played tick tack toe. If you needed help or advice with your computer he was there. But he loved Apple computers most. Rick was the best cook on a bar-ba-que. It was amazing. He just had a touch. He slowly took over the house cleaning alter he stayed at home and his mom would tease him and call him "Eloise: But he was so proud of his well kept house. Rick also had a way with plants. The last few years he added that hobbie to the list. We have so many beautiful plants. I just hope I can keep them alive. Oh and coffee! Rick loved coffee. He was always happiest with a cup of coffee in his hand. He learned to make cappuccino's. He was so glad to make you a cappuccino. They were beautiful.

All who knew him would agree that Rick was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Richard Allen Whatley did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.