Richard (Buzz) died peacefully on Friday January 05, 2024, in Modesto, Ca. at the age of 84. He was born on April 15th, 1939, in Renton, WA. to Harmon F. and Dorothy C. Buzzard and grew up in Okanagon, WA. He graduated from Okanagon High School in 1957. He was a high school athlete which included; football, basketball, baseball, and track. After graduating he enlisted in the Navy. He loved his country and the flag that he had defended. He was very proud of his time serving his country in the Navy. He served from June 18th, 1957, to June 2nd, 1967, with honorable discharge. He was a Petty Officer First Class and served aboard USS Montrose APA212, USS Estes AGC11, USS Frank E Evans DD750, USS Kittyhawk CVA63, Naval Training Center Command (San Diego), Naval Survival & Pow School (Coronado, San Diego), and Headquarter Support Activity Military Advisor Command Vietnam (Siagon/Choi Lon). His decorations included; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon (Presidential), Navy Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service medal (2 Bronze Stars), and Cold War Secretary of Defense Citation. He always spoke so highly of all his friends throughout his life and his shipmates.
He moved to Grass Valley in 1984 where he was a Head Chef at a Country Club, then moved to Los Banos in 1988 where he obtained his General Contractors license, and he owned his own business (Buzzard Construction). He enjoyed being outdoors listening to the birds, playing with dogs and taking in the fresh air. He liked watching football, fishing, hunting, listening to classic country music, going for walks, cooking, and telling stories. He was a huge Seahawks, Mariners, Gonzaga, Huskies, Cougars, and Ducks fan. He would attend every Los Banos High School (Tigers) football game until COVID hit.
He is survived by brother Donald G. Buzzard, brother Ronald W. Buzzard, daughter Sandra Buzzard (Mike) of Portland, OR, granddaughter, and two great grandchildren. Son James Kirby (Cheri) of Mount Vernon, WA., five grandkids, two great grandchildren. Son Robert Buzzard, two grandchildren. Son Timothy Kirby (Connie) of Los Banos, Ca. Daughter Tami Torrez (Rodney) of Hilmar, Ca., three grandchildren. He loved all six of his children, eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his father Harmon F. Buzzard, his mother Dorothy C. Buzzard, wife Linda J. Buzzard, brother John C. Buzzard, brother Robert H. Buzzard, Son Richard A. Buzzard, Jr., and grandson Jordan W. Oehlert.
Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday January 26th at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery 32053 McCabe Rd., Santa Nella, Ca 95322
