Richard Andrew Bonds

Richard Andrew Bonds was born on April 2, 1936 in Coalinga, CA to Andrew Alfred Bonds and Daisy DeLair Bonds. He passed away peacefully in Santa Paula on January 20, 2018, at the age of 81, in the presence of loved ones. Richard is survived by his wife of 57 ½ years, Marie (Hoscheit) Bonds, children Ivan Bonds, Cindy (Bonds) Tinsley (William), Beau Bonds (Melinda), Todd Bonds (Jill), nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by his only sibling, George Bonds (Anetta) of Bucoda,WA and many cousins, nieces and nephews from the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Daisy Bonds.

After graduating from Ventura High School in 1954 Rich enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for four years, receiving training as an Avionics Specialist on the F-102, Delta Dagger. After being honorably discharged as an Airman First Class, Rich worked for Land Air at Naval Base Point Mugu and attended Ventura College on the GI Bill. While newly engaged with a wedding in two weeks Richard was laid off from Land Air. After overhearing a conversation in a coffee shop about Southern California Edison Steam Division, Rich went for an interview and was hired a few days later, which was how a great career got started. Rich worked in some capacity at each generating station in California and Nevada, retiring at age 55 after 32 years of service, having worked his way up from Helper to Shift Supervisor.

Rich grew up in California spending summers traveling with his parents visiting family along the way, developing lifelong friendships and fond memories. Rich carried on this tradition with his own family, spending most summers camping, going to the beach and taking road trips to visit family and friends.

Rich will be remembered most for his smile and sense of humor, and as a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. Graveside services will be held on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 11:00 at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery, 380 Cemetery Rd. Santa Paula, CA.