Rich's Family. I am saddened by Rich's passing. He was one of those guys you wished would be around forever. He impressed me from day one of his knowledge about coal laboratories and I could tell he poured his time into making Freeburg one of the best coal labs in the country. He was the same way in ASTM. He will be missed.   Chuck Dunaway, Consol Energy Coal Co

Brian and Family, Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Richard and his family, I am sending my condolences for the loss of a loved one and admired by everyone around, I just wish that he rest in peace in the name of the God and that his work serve as an example for all those around Us.

I worked with Rich at Standard Laboratories. Rich was a wonderful warm hearted man, a pleasure to work for. I was sorry to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his family..

I consider myself to be blessed to have known Rich and to have had the opportunity to work with during my years with Standard Labs. My prayers are with Kathy and the family as they grieve his passing. Rich will be missed.

Rich has been an integral part of the growth and success of Standard Laboratories for many years.  He was head of the Peabody Coal Central Laboratory in Freeburg, Illinois when that lab was first acquired by Standard Labs.  He then elected to stay on as Division Manager. Here he brought his new company a deep technical knowledge of coal chemistry, a capable stewardship of company resources and compassionate management for his many employees.   After only a few years, in recognition of his skills, Rich was named the Corporate Technical Director as well as Division Manager. In this role he provided the whole company and its partnerships with outstanding technical counsel and advice for many years. 

In addition, Rich became the company's lead representative in the American Society of Testing and Materials.  There he was recognized, nationally and internationally, for his leadership and significant contributions to the coal testing body of science with the R. A. Glenn Award.  This award is the highest honor A.S.T.M.'s D5 Committee can bestow on any of its members.

In time, Rich became a partner with Standard Laboratories in Quality Assurance Resources, LLC., an enterprise he founded and nurtured into a well-recognized leader in coal proficiency testing and coal reference material production.

Rich was personally a true friend of many Standard Labs managers and employees.  He was always helpful and eager to spend time in consulting with whoever needed his help.
His friendly demeanor will definitely be remembered by all.

Rich deserves our highest admiration for his character and his major contributions to the company.  His picture now hangs in the corporate conference room along with the company's founder, Gladys Stallard Berchtold.  Rich will be sorely missed but will always be remembered as a key figure in the company's history.

Rich has been an inspiration to me all of my adult life, beginning in 1978, when I first met Rich at the Peabody Central Laboratory in Freeburg, IL. Always a gentleman and a professional, Rich was a leader in environmental and instrumental testing; Rich shared details about his laboratory's operation and methods that benefited many laboratory operations. I shall always remember Rich fondly. Condolences to Rich's family and to his many friends.

A great father, even to those of us who he "adopted."  Truly, a great man and great example.

I worked with Rich professionally and enjoyed his fertile mind and outside the box thinking.  Condolences to family and friends as we will all miss him.

I got to know Rich attending ASTM meetings.  Haven't been for a couple years now.  He always treated me with respect and helped me with issues.  Really enjoyed visiting about hunting with him.  I will miss him.

A true gentleman, respected and respectful. Someone I enjoyed working with always.  He will be missed by so many.

Uncle Rich was and still is a fantastic person that will be loved and missed by all that knew him. He always knew how to make everyone feel as though they were the best that they could be.You have your wings so fly high and have fun with the ones that went before you. I know you will always watch over your family and all that loved you.Give my dad a hug for me. RIP Uncle Rich love and miss you Love Diane

I knew Rich both professionally and personally. Rich engaged with people in a way that made them feel welcomed and respected. He loved to hunt and fish but may have been a bit of a conservationist as he never seriously depleted the resident population.

Lou Janke Sechelt BC Canada

OBITUARY

Richard L Wilburn Sr.

August 15, 1948 – January 12, 2017

Lake View Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services