Johanna Spier-van Vliet

He was born on 12/21/1952. He grew up here in Southern California, and graduated in 1970 from Beaumont High School. Anyone that lived in Yucaipa knew his house with the rock archway and the full size teepee in the backyard.

He is survived by MANY relatives and more than a few friends that were 'closer than family'. He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved Henry, who he will be laid to rest near at Desert Lawn Cemetery in Calimesa, California.

Richard was a freemason, a falconer, a dog breeder (Basenjis), a musician, an amiture anthropologist, a shaman, a father to more kids than just Henry, and one of the best storytellers to ever walk this earth. He was a giant man with a giant personality and the biggest heart you could ever imagine. Those that knew him best, knew he always lived up to his "Indian name". He never turned his back on anyone that needed him and he opened his home to help many families and friends over the years.

His passions were his birds and his dogs. He always had birds sitting in his front yard and he always had his dogs in the backyard. His basenjis were known throughout the country and even the world! He was so proud of them and looked after them generation after generation. After Henry died, they were what kept him going.

He was amazing with ANY animal, it's like they knew he was a friend. He was an animal whisperer...it didn't matter what kind.

Goodbye, Richard.

There will never be another person like you again, and for those of us that got to love you...it was an honor being loved by you.

A graveside service for Richard will be held Friday, June 3, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 11251 Desert Lawn Drive, Calimesa, California 92320.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weaverhughes.com for the Hanna family.