Don Richard Herd

Don who was also known as Richard, was born in Protection, Kansas and moved to Dodge City Kansas with his family when he was in his teens. He graduated from Dodge City High School in 1962 and married his high school sweetheart, Patricia “Patsy” Ann Fleetwood the year after. They had planned to celebrate their 50th anniversary just before her passing in November 2012. Together they built a lovely life in California, raising three daughters and enjoying seven grandchildren.

After graduating from a vocational drafting school in Denver, CO., Richard and Patsy moved to California. His first job was a Pcb Designer at Ampex in Redwood City and then Memorex, where he worked for 10 years as a PCB Design Manager before starting his own company, Richmar Associates, Inc., in 1977.

He founded Richmar Associates, Inc. in 1977 as a Design Service Bureau which quickly evolved into a Technical Temporary Staffing Agency. Over the past 44 years, the company has staffed over 100,000 positions and built a solid reputation as a privately owned, highly specialized High Tech staffing agency based in Silicon Valley. Although Don was “semi-retired” (and we use that phrase lightly), he enjoyed going into his Santa Clara office on a regular basis; especially, to tend to his salsa garden that he grew on the side of his building.

During his final years, Don enjoyed spending time with family, tending to his garden, going on drives out to the “Country” to look for cows and had recently acquired 5 chickens so he could have fresh eggs. He was a good man with solid roots who was focused on providing for his family and being the best father and Papa possible to his three daughters and seven grandchildren.

Everyone will remember Don’s quick wit, sense of humor, super-human strength, resilience, and head strong stubbornness. He was undoubtedly the hardest worker many have ever seen, and he possessed a work ethic that was admired by so many.

Don “Richard” is survived by his daughters and their families: Kim Herd-Novielli and partner Sean Graham (Joseph, 25 and Jacqueline, 21); Laurie and Tod Fryfogle (Chase, 24; Kyle, 22 and Peyton 12) and Cindy Herd-Thompson (Hayden, 17; and Lainey, 14). He is also survived by his brothers-Roger Herd and wife Jean, Russell Herd and wife Mary and their families. Preceded in death by his parents Harmon and Mildred Herd, and brother Randall and sister Rhonda.

Service Information:

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave San Jose, CA 95125

Visitation

Friday, April 2, 2021 – 9:00am - 10:00am

Funeral Service

Friday, April 2, 2021 – 10:00am – 11:00am