Our beloved Richard Henry Kristinik was welcomed to heaven March 1, 2017. Born August 7, 1939 in Houston, Texas to Katherine and Don Kristinik. Richard and his 3 brothers attended St. Thomas High School, where he was awarded Mr. Eagle. After being recruited to Rice University to play baseball, Richard "Dick" was named third baseman on the All-Southwest Conference baseball team 3 consecutive years and led the SWC with a batting average of .422, earning him third-team All-American in 1959. Upon receiving his BBA from Rice in 1961, he played professional baseball for the Baltimore Orioles organization, while proudly serving in the Marine Corp Reserves. While playing ball in Washington state, he first laid eyes on the love of his life, Bobbie Burke Kristinik, his wife of over 53 years. Richard had a successful professional career with Arthur Andersen & Co in Houston, as well as Tulsa and Denver where he served as Managing Partner. Following early retirement in 1996, Richard co-founded a new venture, Coach USA serving as Chairman and CEO. After consolidating 80 motor coach companies with an initial public offering in 1999, he subsequently retired in Arrowhead, Colorado, sharing time in Houston and Dallas. He served on numerous boards including the United Way, Boy Scouts of America, Junior Achievement, Economic Club of Colorado, Rice University RBI Club and was inducted into the Rice Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984. In 2007, Richard and wife Bobbie were inducted into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and later made their pilgrimage to the Holy Land. An avid golfer and fierce competitor, Richard could make a game out of anything! His favorite foursome, Larry, Tom and Bob, as well as friends from Lakeside, Southern Hills, Country Club of the Rockies and most recently Vaquero Club could attest to that. While his accomplishments and contributions have been significant, his rock solid character, sense of humor and Godly example stand out above all. His family was his pride and joy and Jesus, his Lord and Savior.
Preceded in death by his parents, Katherine and Don Kristinik, brother Don L. Kristinik, Jr. and sister-in-law Gail Kristinik. Survived by his devoted wife Bobbie Kristinik, daughter Shelly Bailey and husband Craig of Dallas, son Brad Kristinik and wife Naoko of Las Vegas, daughter Alison Lashmet and husband John of Denver. Six adoring grandchildren, Stephen and Lauren Bailey, Sophia and Julia Kristinik, Jackson and Caroline Lashmet. Brothers, Bill Kristinik and wife Barbara of Kingwood, John Kristinik of Las Vegas and special nieces and nephew. Prayer Vigil will be Friday, March 10 at 6pm, with visitation beforehand at Sparkman-Hillcrest and a Celebration Mass Saturday March 11 at 10am Christ the King Catholic Church in Dallas. Donations can be made to St. Thomas High School, Rice University Baseball Scholarship Fund, Lewy Body Dementia Research or the charity of your choice. Our family is grateful for his loving caregivers including Azie, Maggie, Vitas Hospice and all those who closely shared this journey.
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