Mr. Richard James Kaia

Richard James Kaia passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Thursday, March 10, 2016. The youngest of four children, Richard was born in Fresno, CA, to Alex and Kathrine Kaia on December 26, 1957. Growing up, Richard spent time in Fresno, as well as on the family farm in Kerman, CA. During his childhood years, Richard and his brothers were taught to hunt, which led to many friends and family hunting trips over the years.

While attending Bullard High School, Richard excelled at athletics and played on both the varsity football and baseball teams. His time at Bullard High fostered a lifelong fondness for Bullard athletics. After college, Richard moved to Bakersfield, CA, returning to Fresno during the late 1980's. Shortly thereafter, Richard began working for Fresno Unified School District as a campus security assistant, first at Roosevelt High School, and then at Bullard High School, in a position he held for more than 20 years prior to his passing.

In his free time, Richard enjoyed golfing and fishing with his friends spending many weekends at the lake. He also thoroughly enjoyed cooking. Though Richard had no children of his own, he was adored by his nieces and nephews. Known to the family "Uncle Richie," he always brought a smile to their faces, and time with him was treasured. During the last 12 years of his life, Richard cared for his mother, Kathrine, and his devotion to her during that time was one of his most admirable qualities.

Richard will be greatly missed, but his smile, his laugh, and his love for his family and friends will long be remembered by those who knew him.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Alex Kaia; and his brother, Steven Kaia.

He is survived by his mother, Kathrine Kaia; his sister, Karen Tozlian and her husband Peter; his nephew, Chris Tozlian and wife Jennifer, and their children, Joshua and Elizabeth; his niece, Sarah Tozlian; his brother, Michael Kaia and his wife Judy, and their children, Ryan and Courtney of Bakersfield; as well as many cousins and other extended family.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Servcie will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Belmont Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Bullard High School athletics.

Arrangements under the direction of Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, Fresno, CA.